Regulates body size probably independently of the TGF beta-like dbl-1 pathway. However, may regulate some dbl-1-mediated transcription. Plays a role in cuticle collagen fibril organization. Required for embryonic development. Expression starts at the L1 larval stage in glial cells associated with amphid, phasmid, labial and posterior deirid sensory neurons and continues throughout adulthood. Expressed in vulva at the L4 larval stage and in adults. The conserved cysteine present in the cysteine-switch motif binds the catalytic zinc ion, thus inhibiting the enzyme. The dissociation of the cysteine from the zinc ion upon the activation-peptide release activates the enzyme. RNAi-mediated knockdown causes a reduction in adult body length and width and a reduction in adult lifespan. The cuticle displays several defects including disruption of the lateral cuticle overlying the seam cells, abnormal constriction of the annuli, discontinuous alae and mislocalization of collagen col-19 positive fibrils. Prevents the up-regulation of a transcriptional reporter of the TGF beta-like dbl-1 pathway, RAD-SMAD.