Transcription factor which binds to 5'-GGAA/T-3' DNA consensus sequences (PubMed:20862312, PubMed:26484536). Both positively and negatively regulates the expression of target genes (PubMed:20862312). Plays a role in the regulation of adult lifespan, which may in part be through modulation of daf-16 activity (PubMed:20862312). Regulates the expression of genes such as svh-2 in response to axon injury and in addition, may function downstream of the cAMP signaling pathway to promote axon regeneration (PubMed:26484536). Regulates the expression of lipid metabolism genes and may also control the expression of the RNA-binding protein rege-1 which too has been implicated in the control of fat accumulation (PubMed:27746047). May interact with cebp-1. Expressed in cells of the anterior and posterior bulbs of the pharynx, seam cells, a few unidentified cells of the vulva, the hypodermis, several unidentified neurons, labial socket cells of the head and rectal cells. Expressed in intestinal cells from the 3-fold stage of embryogenesis to adulthood. The N-terminal part (1-345) is responsible for activating transcription, but this action may be modulated by the PNT domain which acts to repress transcription. Phosphorylation is required for axon regeneration. Delayed larval development and increased lifespan, but overall resulting animals have normal morphology and fecundity (PubMed:20862312). Reduced egg-laying rate, but older hermaphrodites produce more progeny (PubMed:20862312). Both decreased expression of genes, such as the lipoprotein vit-5, which is related to life span regulation, and increased expression of genes such as lys-7, which is a lysosomal protein (PubMed:20862312). Reduced expression of genes such as svh-2 in response to axon injury and as a result, there is reduced axon regeneration of D-type motor neurons (PubMed:26484536). RNAi-mediated knockdown results in reduced expression of the RNA-binding protein rege-1 (PubMed:27746047). Belongs to the ETS family.