Sequence-specific RNA-binding protein that regulates mRNA cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translation initiation during oocyte maturation, early development and at postsynapse sites of neurons. Binds to the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE), an uridine-rich sequence element (consensus sequence 5'-UUUUUAU-3') within the mRNA 3'-UTR. RNA binding results in a clear conformational change analogous to the Venus fly trap mechanism . In absence of phosphorylation and in association with TACC3 is also involved as a repressor of translation of CPE-containing mRNA; a repression that is relieved by phosphorylation or degradation (By similarity). Involved in the transport of CPE-containing mRNA to dendrites; those mRNAs may be transported to dendrites in a translationally dormant form and translationally activated at synapses (By similarity). Its interaction with APLP1 promotes local CPE-containing mRNA polyadenylation and translation activation (By similarity). Induces the assembly of stress granules in the absence of stress. Required for cell cycle progression, specifically for prophase entry .
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Cytoplasm, P-body, Cytoplasmic granule, Synapse, Membrane, Postsynaptic density, Cell projection, Dendrite
Continuously shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm . Also found in stress granules. Recruited to stress granules (SGs) upon arsenite treatment. In dendrites (By similarity). Localizes in synaptosomes at dendritic synapses of neurons (By similarity). Strongly enriched in postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions (By similarity). Transported into dendrites in a microtubule-dependent fashion and colocalizes in mRNA-containing particles with TACC3, dynein and kinesin (By similarity). Membrane-associated (By similarity). Colocalizes at excitatory synapses with members of the polyadenylation and translation complex factors (CPSF, APLP1, TACC3, AURKA, SYP, etc.) including CPE-containing RNAs (By similarity).
Isoform 1 is expressed in immature oocytes, ovary, brain and heart. Isoform 2 is expressed in brain and heart. Isoform 3 and isoform 4 are expressed in brain. Expressed in breast tumors and several tumor cell lines.