RNA-binding protein involved in the regulation of smooth muscle cell differentiation and proliferation in the gastrointestinal system (By similarity). RNA-binding protein localized in Balbiani body (electron-dense aggregates in the oocyte) and germ plasm during oogenesis, and may be required to maintain germ plasm mRNA translational repression (PubMed:18582455). Translational regulator during topographic map formation in the visual system (PubMed:27974617). Establishes oocyte polarity through interaction with Bucky ball (BUC) (Probable). Interacts with Bucky ball (BUC); to mediate Balbiani body formation and oocyte polarity during early oogenesis. Localizes to the Balbiani body during oogenesis. Expressed exclusively in retinal ganglion cells during and after axogenesis. Knock-down leads to topographic missorting in the optic tract through the up-regulation of NRP1.