Probable transcription factor, modulating expression of helix-loop-helix protein mbr-1 and homeobox protein ceh-63, perhaps acting in concert with ceh-63 (PubMed:22207033). Confers thermosensory function to neurons (PubMed:10774727). Required for correct AFD-mediated thermotaxis (PubMed:10774727). Involved in postembryonic differentiation of the ALA neuron, and regulation of genes that contribute to behavioral quiescence, a sleep-like behavior mediated by ALA (PubMed:20501595). Regulates its own expression and also that of homeodomain ceh-17, together forming an autoregulatory loop in the ALA neuron (PubMed:20501595). Required for initial pathfinding of the ALA axons, but largely dispensable for axon migration (PubMed:20501595). Involved in regulating postembryonic axon maintenance in the ventral nerve cord, acting in concert with LIM homeobox protein lim-6, via modulation of expression of immunoglobulin domain zig genes in the interneuron PVT (PubMed:12490565). Interacts (via LIM zinc-binding domains 1 and 2) with lim-7 (via LID domain) (PubMed:28676648). May interact with itself (PubMed:22207033). May interact with homeobox protein ceh-63 (PubMed:22207033). Expressed in the anterior AFDL/R sensory neurons and BDUL/R and ALA interneurons, and in PVT, PVQL/R, DVC, PVNL/R, PVWL/R, PVR, PHCL/R, PHAL/R and PHBL/R cells in the tail region. Late embryonic, larval and adult stages (PubMed:10774727). Expressed in the interneuron PVT during embryogenesis (PubMed:12490565). RNAi-mediated knockdown causes severe defects in the ALA neuron in young adults (PubMed:20501595). RNAi-mediated knockdown abolishes expression of helix-loop-helix protein mbr-1 in the interneuron DVC (PubMed:22207033).