Transcriptional regulator which plays a role in the expulsion step of defecation by controlling enteric muscle-specific expression of exp-1 which is required for enteric muscle contraction. Not required for exp-1 expression in the PDA neuron. Also involved in controlling the length of the defecation cycle. Expressed in the bilateral sensory neurons AWA, AWB, AWC, ASE, FLP and PVD. Also expressed in the enteric intestinal and anal depressor muscles. Shortened defecation cycle length with change in periodicity of the cycle. Expulsion defective with distended gut and lack of enteric muscle contractions due to lack of exp-1 expression.