Transcription factor (PubMed:17021039). Binds to specific DNA sequence motifs in regulatory elements, for example in the genes encoding transcription factor lin-48, apoptosis regulator ced-9 and neuropeptide-like protein nlp-2 (PubMed:17021039, PubMed:15923112, PubMed:11532910, PubMed:31398431). Specifies cell fate, playing an essential role in embryonic and larval development (PubMed:9374390, PubMed:10511553, PubMed:31398431, PubMed:17020758). Involved in morphogenesis of the vulva and uterus in hermaphrodites and of the rectal epithelium of the tail in males (PubMed:9374390, PubMed:15923112, PubMed:31398431, PubMed:17020758). Plays multiple roles in the development of the egg-laying system, acting in both lin-3/EGF-pathway-dependent and -independent processes (PubMed:31398431, PubMed:17020758). Positively regulates expression of neuropeptide-like proteins nlp-2 and nlp-7 in uvl cells in an EGF-pathway-dependent manner (PubMed:31398431). Involved in negatively modulating apoptosis in germline and somatic cells, acting in partial redundancy with transcription factor pax-2, probably by directly regulating transcription of ced-9 (PubMed:17021039). Positively regulates transcription of lin-48 in hindgut cells and functions in the development of the hindgut (PubMed:11532910, PubMed:15923112, PubMed:10511553). Expressed early in the larval L3 stage, in both P6.px daughters and all four P6.pxx granddaughters following the first and second divisions of the vulval precursor cells (VPCs) (PubMed:31398431). After final VPC divisions, expressed in vulF and vulE cells (derived from P6.p) and persists into mid-L4 larval stage (PubMed:31398431, PubMed:17020758). Expression in vulF and vulE diminishes during mid-L4 so that by the transition to late L4, only uterine ventral (uv1) cell expression remains (PubMed:31398431, PubMed:17020758). Expression in uvl continues through the adult molt into adulthood (PubMed:31398431).