Cotranslational quality control factor involved in the No-Go Decay (NGD) pathway (PubMed:29861391). In the presence of pix and HSB1, is required for 48S complex formation from 80S ribosomes and dissociation of vacant 80S ribosomes (By similarity). Together with HBS1 and in presence of pix, recognizes stalled ribosomes and promotes dissociation of elongation complexes assembled on non-stop mRNAs; this triggers endonucleolytic cleavage of the mRNA, a mechanism to release non-functional ribosomes and to degrade damaged mRNAs as part of the No-Go Decay (NGD) pathway (By similarity). Required prior to the first meiotic division for spindle formation and nuclear envelope breakdown during spermatogenesis (PubMed:7588080). Together with HBS1, promotes spermatid individualization during spermatogenesis (PubMed:30824860). Required for ovarian germ line stem cell self-renewal and oocyte development during oogenesis (PubMed:16280348). Together with HSB1, required for transposon silencing in the ovary and testis (PubMed:26124316). As part of the Pink1-regulated signaling, is recruited to damaged mitochondrial and is required for recruitment of autophagy receptors and induction of mitophagy (PubMed:29861391). Required for normal eye patterning and for mitotic divisions in the ovary (PubMed:7588080). Interacts with HBS1 (PubMed:26124316, PubMed:30824860). Interacts with Pink1 and Cnot4; the interaction with Cnot4 appears to be Pink1-dependent (PubMed:29861391). Expressed in ovaries and muscles (at protein level) (PubMed:26124316, PubMed:29861391). Expressed throughout all development stages (PubMed:7588080). Highest levels in early embryo (0-2h) and adult stages. The N-terminal domain has the RNA-binding Sm fold. It harbors the endoribonuclease activity. The PGF motif may be involved in the interaction with HBS1 and is required for silencing of germline transposons. During spermatogenesis results in blockage of cell division preventing spermatocytes to enter meiosis and lack of spermatic individualization resulting in sterility (PubMed:30824860). In germlines, increases transposable elements transcription at both mRNA and protein levels (PubMed:26124316). Belongs to the eukaryotic release factor 1 family. Pelota subfamily.