Required for efficient export of polyadenylated RNA. Acts as component of the THO subcomplex of the TREX complex which is thought to couple mRNA transcription, processing and nuclear export, and which specifically associates with spliced mRNA and not with unspliced pre-mRNA. TREX is recruited to spliced mRNAs by a transcription-independent mechanism, binds to mRNA upstream of the exon-junction complex (EJC) and is recruited in a splicing- and cap-dependent manner to a region near the 5' end of the mRNA where it functions in mRNA export to the cytoplasm via the TAP/NFX1 pathway. The TREX complex is essential for the export of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) intronless mRNAs and infectious virus production. Regulates transcriptional elongation of a subset of genes. Involved in genome stability by preventing co-transcriptional R-loop formation. May play a role in hair cell formation, hence may be involved in hearing (By similarity).
Participates in an apoptotic pathway which is characterized by activation of caspase-6, increases in the expression of BAK1 and BCL2L1 and activation of NF-kappa-B. This pathway does not require p53/TP53, nor does the presence of p53/TP53 affect the efficiency of cell killing. Activates a G2/M cell cycle checkpoint prior to the onset of apoptosis. Apoptosis is inhibited by association with RB1.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus speckle, Nucleus, Nucleoplasm, Nucleus matrix, Cytoplasm
Can shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Nuclear localization is required for induction of apoptotic cell death. Translocates to the cytoplasm during the early phase of apoptosis execution.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm
Ubiquitous. Expressed in various cancer cell lines. Expressed at very low levels in normal breast epithelial cells and highly expressed in breast tumors. Expression is strongly associated with an aggressive phenotype of breast tumors and expression correlates with tumor size and the metastatic state of the tumor progression.