Required for DNA transformation (PubMed:1653215, PubMed:18761017). Positively regulates genes required for DNA transformation (late competence-specific genes) in association with CRP (PubMed:18761017). Required for expression of the dprABC operon (PubMed:9244270). Induced about 50-fold on moving from rich to starvation medium. By CRP and cAMP in starvation medium. Translation increased by depletion of extra- or intra-cellular purine nucleotides in starvation medium. High levels of purine nucleotides by contrast decrease its translation under the same condition. Loss of expression of the competence regulatory element (CRE) regulon required for development of competence. Belongs to the TfoX family.