Mediates the translocation of RNA and DNA across the lysosomal membrane during RNA and DNA autophagy (RDA), a process in which RNA or DNA is directly imported into lysosomes in an ATP-dependent manner, and degraded (, ). Involved in the uptake of single-stranded oligonucleotides by living cells, a process called gymnosis . In vitro, mediates the uptake of linear DNA more efficiently than that of circular DNA, but exhibits similar uptake efficacy toward RNA and DNA. Binds long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) (500 - 700 base pairs), but not dsRNA shorter than 100 bp (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Lysosome membrane, Cell membrane
Mainly localizes to lysosomes and only partly to the plasma membrane . Lysosomal localization is required for SIDT2-mediated intracellular degradation of endogenous RNA (By similarity).