Essential for the formation of P-bodies, cytosolic membrane-less ribonucleoprotein granules involved in RNA metabolism through the coordinated storage of mRNAs encoding regulatory functions ( ). Plays a role in P-bodies to coordinate the storage of translationally inactive mRNAs in the cytoplasm and prevent their degradation . In the process of mRNA degradation, plays a role in mRNA decapping . Blocks autophagy in nutrient-rich conditions by repressing the expression of ATG-related genes through degradation of their transcripts .
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, P-body, Cytoplasm, Nucleus
Imported in the nucleus via interaction with EIF4ENIF1/4E-T via a piggy-back mechanism . Upon cellular stress, relocalizes to stress granules .
Abundantly expressed in most tissues.