Transcription factor (PubMed:28056346). Involved in motor neuron fate determination and maintenance, acting as an activator of gene expression in a subset of motor neurons (PubMed:28056346). Required to maintain the expression of transcriptional repressors bnc-1 and cfi-1, which play roles in the cell fate of motor neurons (PubMed:28056346). May play a role in the expression of proteins essential for axonal pathfinding and/or neuronal differentiation in both sensory and motor neurons (PubMed:9502737). Cooperates with jmjd-3.1 and wdr-5.1 to ensure robust transdifferentiation of the Y rectal cell to the PDA motor neuron during larval development (PubMed:25124442). Interacts with jmjd-3.1. Expressed in certain chemosensory neurons (ASI amphid neurons) throughout development and is also expressed transiently in developing motor neurons when these cells undergo axonal outgrowth. Worms show defects in the axonal outgrowth of motor neurons, as well as defects in dauer formation, a process requiring chemosensory inputs. Belongs to the COE family.