Transcriptional regulator of the switch between 2 heritable states, the white and opaque states. These 2 cell types differ in many characteristics, including cell structure, mating competence, and virulence. Each state is heritable for many generations, and switching between states occurs stochastically, at low frequency. WOR2 is necessary for the stability of the opaque state phenotypic switching from the white to the opaque phase is a necessary step for mating. Plays a role in cell adhesion and pseudohyphal growth. Expression is induced by HAP43 under low iron conditions.