Transcriptional activator that binds to the consensus sequence 5'-[AT]GATA[AG]-3'. Predominantly directs the transcription of intestinal genes such as ges-1, cpr-6, pho-1, ftn-1 and lev-11, and itself. Required for gut-specific differentiation, specifically acting with the GATA region-binding transcription factor elt-7 to control normal gene expression and promote normal formation of the intestine. Regulates intestinal gene expression in response to hypoxia to promote longevity. Regulates tissue specific gene expression at basal levels and in response to bacterial infection in the intestine to control innate immununity. Plays a role in the induction of metal-responsive genes, activating gene expression from zinc-activated promoters and iron-dependent promoters and enhancers. May regulate the expression of genes that control sensitivity to oxidative stress, in a mab-3-dependent manner, and osmotic stress, in conjunction with the GATA region-binding transcription factor elt-3. May play a role in sphingolipid signaling by regulating the expression of the sphingosine-1-phosphate degrading enzyme, sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase. May act with the Notch signaling pathway to promote endodermal gene expression. Has a protective role in response to infection by Gram-negative bacteria such as S.enterica, E.coli, P.aeruginosa and B.pseudomallei, Gram-positive bacterium E.faecalis and fungal pathogen C.neoformans. An association with the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit rpt-6, in part, controls gene expression in response to infection by P.aeruginosa. Regulates gene expression during the recovery phase following a bacterial infection. May act with p38-activated transcription factors to control p38 gene induction in response to bacterial infection. Controls lysosome formation in the intestine by controlling lysosomal gene expression.
