DNA- and RNA-binding protein involved in various processes, such as translational repression, RNA stabilization, mRNA splicing, DNA repair and transcription regulation (  , ). Predominantly acts as a RNA-binding protein: binds preferentially to the 5'-[CU]CUGCG-3' RNA motif and specifically recognizes mRNA transcripts modified by C5-methylcytosine (m5C) (, ). Promotes mRNA stabilization: acts by binding to m5C-containing mRNAs and recruiting the mRNA stability maintainer ELAVL1, thereby preventing mRNA decay ( ). Component of the CRD-mediated complex that promotes MYC mRNA stability . Contributes to the regulation of translation by modulating the interaction between the mRNA and eukaryotic initiation factors (By similarity). Plays a key role in RNA composition of extracellular exosomes by defining the sorting of small non-coding RNAs, such as tRNAs, Y RNAs, Vault RNAs and miRNAs (, ). Probably sorts RNAs in exosomes by recognizing and binding C5-methylcytosine (m5C)-containing RNAs (, ). Acts as a key effector of epidermal progenitors by preventing epidermal progenitor senescence: acts by regulating the translation of a senescence-associated subset of cytokine mRNAs, possibly by binding to m5C-containing mRNAs . Also involved in pre-mRNA alternative splicing regulation: binds to splice sites in pre-mRNA and regulates splice site selection . Binds to TSC22D1 transcripts, thereby inhibiting their translation and negatively regulating TGF-beta-mediated transcription of COL1A2 (By similarity). Also able to bind DNA: regulates transcription of the multidrug resistance gene MDR1 is enhanced in presence of the APEX1 acetylated form at 'Lys-6' and 'Lys-7' . Binds to promoters that contain a Y-box (5'-CTGATTGGCCAA-3'), such as MDR1 and HLA class II genes (, ). Promotes separation of DNA strands that contain mismatches or are modified by cisplatin . Has endonucleolytic activity and can introduce nicks or breaks into double-stranded DNA, suggesting a role in DNA repair . The secreted form acts as an extracellular mitogen and stimulates cell migration and proliferation .
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Cytoplasmic granule, Secreted, Secreted, Extracellular exosome, Cytoplasm, P-body
Predominantly cytoplasmic in proliferating cells . Cytotoxic stress and DNA damage enhance translocation to the nucleus . Localized in cytoplasmic mRNP granules containing untranslated mRNAs . Shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm . Localized with DDX1, MBNL1 and TIAL1 in stress granules upon stress . Secreted by mesangial and monocytic cells after inflammatory challenges .