Transcription factor involved in the regulation of gene expression upon nutrient starvation. Recognizes and binds to the post-diauxic-shift element 5'-T[AT]AGGGAT-3' in the promoter region. Can act as a transcriptional activator (e.g. of stress genes like SSA3, HSP12 and HSP26) as well as a repressor (e.g. of pyrophosphate phosphatase DPP1). GIS1 also acts as a DNA damage-responsive transcriptional repressor of photolyase PHR1. Induced upon nutrient starvation. Present with 432 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium.