Transcription factor (PubMed:28056346). Involved in motor neuron fate determination and maintenance, acting as a transcriptional repressor to counteract gene activation by transcription factor unc-3 in a subset of motor neurons (PubMed:28056346). Probably acts by binding to specific promoter elements (PubMed:28056346). Required for posterior-specific pattern formation in the embryo and may have a role in regulating egl-5 expression (PubMed:8654927). Embryo, L1 and L2 larvae. Belongs to the even-skipped homeobox family.