Orphan nuclear receptor which, in cooperation with R-SMAD daf-8, modulates the Insulin/IGF-1-like signaling (IIS) pathway, perhaps by regulating expression of the potassium channel exp-2, which in turn modulates the secretion of insulin-like peptide daf-28. Interacts with R-SMAD daf-8. Expressed in the ASI neurons, hypodermis, and in tail neurons. Expressed in E8 intestinal precursor cells in developing embryos, and in intestine throughout development into adulthood. On a temperature-sensitive daf-7 mutant background, enhances entry of larvae into the developmentally arrested state known as dauer, and also suppresses exit from dauer (PubMed:22359515). Up-regulates expression of the potassium channel exp-2 (PubMed:22359515). Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family.