Nuclear matrix protein which forms MORC3-NBs (nuclear bodies) via an ATP-dependent mechanism and plays a role in innate immunity by restricting different viruses through modulation of the IFN response (, ). Mechanistically, possesses a primary antiviral function through a MORC3-regulated element that activates IFNB1, and this function is guarded by a secondary IFN-repressing function . Sumoylated MORC3-NBs associates with PML-NBs and recruits TP53 and SP100, thus regulating TP53 activity (, ). Binds RNA in vitro . Histone methylation reader which binds to non-methylated (H3K4me0), monomethylated (H3K4me1), dimethylated (H3K4me2) and trimethylated (H3K4me3) 'Lys-4' on histone H3 . The order of binding preference is H3K4me3 > H3K4me2 > H3K4me1 > H3K4me0 .
(Microbial infection) May be required for influenza A transcription during viral infection .
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Nucleoplasm, Nucleus matrix, Nucleus, PML body, Chromosome
Also found in PML-independent nuclear bodies. Localization to nuclear bodies is ATP-dependent.
Expressed in heart, placenta, skeletal muscle, brain, pancreas, lung, liver, but not kidney.