Functions in nuclear protein import, either by acting as autonomous nuclear transport receptor or as an adapter-like protein in association with the importin-beta subunit KPNB1. Acting autonomously, is thought to serve itself as receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) and to promote translocation of import substrates through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to importin, the importin/substrate complex dissociates and importin is re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mediates autonomously the nuclear import of ribosomal proteins RPL23A, RPS7 and RPL5 . In association with KPNB1 mediates the nuclear import of H1 histone and the Ran-binding site of IPO7 is not required but synergizes with that of KPNB1 in importin/substrate complex dissociation. Promotes odontoblast differentiation via promoting nuclear translocation of DLX3, KLF4, SMAD2, thereby facilitating the transcription of target genes that play a role in odontoblast differentiation (By similarity). Facilitates BMP4-induced translocation of SMAD1 to the nucleus and recruitment to the MSX1 gene promoter, thereby promotes the expression of the odontogenic regulator MSX1 in dental mesenchymal cells (By similarity). Also promotes odontoblast differentiation by facilitating the nuclear translocation of HDAC6 and subsequent repression of RUNX2 expression (By similarity). Inhibits osteoblast differentiation by inhibiting nuclear translocation of RUNX2 and therefore inhibition of RUNX2 target gene transcription (By similarity). In vitro, mediates nuclear import of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 histones.
(Microbial infection) Mediates the nuclear import of HIV-1 reverse transcription complex (RTC) integrase. Binds and mediates the nuclear import of HIV-1 Rev.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus
Localizes to the nucleus in the presence of BMP4.