RNA-binding protein that plays a central role in oogenesis, but not for spermatogenesis. Required for meiotic entry and germline differentiation, at the pachytene stage of meiosis I of female germline regardless of the sex of the soma. May act by regulating translation of specific mRNAs, possibly by binding to their 3'-UTR. Germline specific. More strongly expressed during oogenesis than during spermatogenesis. During the larval stages, it is more abundant at the distal region than the proximal region of the gonad. In young adult hermaphrodites, it is expressed at a very low level in the distal mitotic region of the gonad, and begins to accumulate in the meiotic transition zone. Highly expressed in the proximal pachytene region. Not expressed in mature oocytes. Not expressed in the spermatheca. Weakly or not expressed in the germline of adult males. Expressed in the germline from the L2 stage larva. Belongs to the RRM DAZ family. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-2 is the initiator. Truncated N-terminus.