RNA-binding protein that binds to the 3'-UTR region of mRNAs and increases their stability. Involved in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation: preferentially binds mRNAs that are not methylated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A), stabilizing them, promoting ESCs differentiation (By similarity). Binds to poly-U elements and AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs. May be involved in cytoplasmic mRNA polyadenylation. Acts cooperatively with cribp to stabilize AU-rich sequence (ARE)-containing mRNAs. May play a role during gastrulation. Required for the vegetal localization of vg1 mRNA. Interacts (via RRM3) with cirbp. Unable to form oligomers. Part of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, at least composed of elavl1/elrA and/or elavl2/elrB, igf2bp3/vg1RBP, ddx6/Xp54, ybx2/frgy2, lsm14b/rap55b and, in a subset of RNP complexes, stau1/staufen. Enriched at the vegetal cortex in stage III and IV oocytes. Shows very weak nuclear localization. Ubiquitously expressed in adults. Expressed both maternally and zygotically throughout development in oocytes, eggs, embryos and adults. Expression increases between oogenesis stages III and VI. Belongs to the RRM elav family.