RNA-binding protein that binds to the 3'-UTR region of mRNAs and increases their stability. Involved in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation: preferentially binds mRNAs that are not methylated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A), stabilizing them, promoting ESC differentiation (PubMed:24394384). Has also been shown to be capable of binding to m6A-containing mRNAs and contributes to MYC stability by binding to m6A-containing MYC mRNAs (By similarity). Binds to poly-U elements and AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs. Binds avidly to the AU-rich element in FOS and IL3/interleukin-3 mRNAs. In the case of the FOS AU-rich element, binds to a core element of 27 nucleotides that contain AUUUA, AUUUUA, and AUUUUUA motifs. Binds preferentially to the 5'-UUUU[AG]UUU-3' motif in vitro (By similarity). With ZNF385A, binds the 3'-UTR of p53/TP53 mRNA to control their nuclear export induced by CDKN2A. Hence, may regulate p53/TP53 expression and mediate in part the CDKN2A anti-proliferative activity. May also bind with ZNF385A the CCNB1 mRNA (PubMed:21402775). Increases the stability of the leptin mRNA harboring an AU-rich element (ARE) in its 3' UTR (PubMed:27616329). Monomer and homodimer (in vitro). Interacts with ANP32A (By similarity). Interacts with ZNF385A; the interaction is indirect and mRNA-dependent and may regulate p53/TP53 expression (PubMed:21402775). Identified in a mRNP complex, at least composed of DHX9, DDX3X, ELAVL1, HNRNPU, IGF2BP1, ILF3, PABPC1, PCBP2, PTBP2, STAU1, STAU2, SYNCRIP and YBX1. Interacts with AGO1 and AGO2. Interacts with IGF2BP1. Interacts with IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3. Interacts with HNRNPL (By similarity). Interacts with DHX36; this interaction occurs in a RNA-dependent manner. Interacts with ILF3; this interaction occurs in a RNA-dependent manner (By similarity). Interacts with PLEKHN1 (By similarity). Interacts with SHFL; the interaction increases in presence of RNA (By similarity). Interacts with YBX1; interaction recruits ELAVL1 on C5-methylcytosine (m5C)-containing mRNAs, thereby promoting mRNA stability (By similarity). Translocates into the cytoplasm following phosphorylation by MAPKAPK2. Likewise, phosphorylation by PRKCD promotes translocation from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, where it is associated with free and cytoskeleton-bound polysomes (By similarity). Localizes to the stress granules in the presence of PLEKHN1. The first RRM (RNA recognition motif) domain is essential for binding to AU-rich elements. Phosphorylated by MAPKAPK2. Phosphorylated by PRKCD. Methylated at Arg-217 by CARM1 in T-cells in response to LPS challenge. Belongs to the RRM elav family.