Transcription factor (By similarity). Binds to promoter regions of target genes, perhaps at the motif 5'-[AGCT]TT[AGT][TC]GAAA[ACT]-3' (PubMed:27927209). Modulates expression of genes involved in development and in stress responses, including those regulating the p38/MAPK signaling pathways such as MAPKK sek-1 and phosphatase vhp-1 (PubMed:27927209, PubMed:34407394). Involved in innate immunity (PubMed:27927200, PubMed:28662060, PubMed:34407394). Plays a role in repressing the response to infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa, perhaps acting independently of the pmk-1 or pmk-3 p38/MAPK pathways (PubMed:27927200). However, also plays a protective role in the response to infection by P.aeruginosa (PubMed:28662060). Required in axonal regrowth following injury and synaptogenesis (PubMed:19737525, PubMed:31417366, PubMed:26484536). Following axon injury, in concert with transcription factor ets-4, activates expression of receptor tyrosine kinase svh-2 (PubMed:26484536). May function downstream of the Ca2+-activated p38/MAPK pathway to promote axon regeneration (PubMed:26484536). Plays a role in modulating polymerization of neuronal microtubules (PubMed:21368137). Involved in modulating lipid homeostasis (PubMed:31851340). May interact with transcription factor ets-4 (PubMed:26484536). May interact (via N-terminus) with nipi-3 (PubMed:27927209). May interact (via N-terminus) with importin subunit alpha ima-3 (PubMed:31417366). Localization to nucleus dependent partially upon importin ima-3. Expressed in touch and motor neurons. Widely expressed in most postembryonic tissues, including epidermis, muscles, pharynx, intestine and neurons. In response to methylmercury. RNAi-mediated knockdown suppresses lifespan reduction caused by infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa when combined with simultaneous knockdown of nipi-3 (PubMed:27927200). Knockdown reduces survival due to infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa in a valine--tRNA ligase glp-4 mutant background (PubMed:28662060). Belongs to the bZIP family. C/EBP subfamily. Plays a role in repressing the response to infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa (PubMed:27927200). However, is also reported to play a protective role in the response to infection by P.aeruginosa (PubMed:28662060). These differences may be due to conditions of infection or perhaps genetic background.