Energy-transducing component of a NURF-like (nucleosome-remodeling factor-like) complex, which would catalyze ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding and facilitate transcription of chromatin (Probable). Involved in vulval cell fates. Part of a nucleosome-remodeling factor-like (NURF-like) complex containing nurf-1 and isw-1. RNAi-mediated knockdown results in sterility (PubMed:16710447). RNAi-mediated knockdown at 25 degrees Celsius rescues the larval lethality phenotype of the mep-1 (q660) single mutants (PubMed:16710447). Belongs to the SNF2/RAD54 helicase family. ISWI subfamily.