Probable transcription factor (PubMed:9247331, PubMed:29108019). During development, required for cell fate specification, probably by promoting or repressing expression of genes involved in specific cell fate (PubMed:9247331, PubMed:29108019). Involved in specifying lineages derived from the epidermal stem cells of the lateral ectoderm, known as seam cells (PubMed:9247331, PubMed:29108019). Modulates symmetric divisions of seam cells, perhaps in concert with the Wnt signaling pathway (PubMed:29108019). May repress expression of homeobox genes mab-5, egl-5 and lin-39 (PubMed:9247331). Expressed mostly in the seam (stem) cells and hypodermis (hyp7), but also to a lesser extent in the intestine. RNAi-mediated knockdown leads to an increase in seam (stem) cell number variability.