Binds and protects the poly(A) tail of mRNA with or without an AU-rich element (ARE) and prevents mRNA deadenylation. Stimulates the translation of mRNAs to which it is bound during early development (By similarity). Interacts with dazl in an RNA-independent manner. The C-terminus can self-associate and also interact with the C-terminus of pabpc1, independently of RNA. RRM 1 and RRM 2 interact with both eif4g1 and paip1, and the C-terminus also interacts with paip1. Prior to oocyte maturation, found in a complex with dazl and pum2 proteins and spdy1 mRNA; pum2 dissociates from the complex during maturation. Interacts with the translation termination factor sup35/erf3 (By similarity). Associated with polysomes. Belongs to the polyadenylate-binding protein type-1 family.