May be involved in the translation of target mRNAs by scanning and recognition of the initiation codon. Involved in translation initiation; promotes recruitmnet of aminoacetyled initiator tRNA to P site of 40S ribosomes. Can promote release of deacylated tRNA and mRNA from recycled 40S subunits following ABCE1-mediated dissociation of post-termination ribosomal complexes into subunits. Plays a role in the modulation of the translational profile of a subset of cancer-related mRNAs when recruited to the translational initiation complex by the oncogene MCTS1.
Highly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle and moderately expressed in the brain, placenta, liver and pancreas. Weakly expressed in the lung and kidney.