RNA-binding protein involved in the regulation of smooth muscle cell differentiation and proliferation in the gastrointestinal system (By similarity). Binds NOG mRNA, the major inhibitor of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. Mediates an increase of NOG mRNA levels, thereby contributing to the negative regulation of BMP signaling pathway and promoting reversible dedifferentiation and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (By similarity). Homodimer. Expressed in developing heart, pronephros, retina and epiphysis. In adult, high expression in heart, moderate in kidney, undetectable in liver, lung and skeletal muscle. mRNA first detected in the tailbud embryo (stage 26) in the paired heart primordia and in the condensing epithelium that will form the pronephros; at the late tailbud stage (stage 34) in the developing retina and epiphysis. As development proceeds, detected through the entire length of the heart tube, in the muscular tissue of the outflow tract, and in the duct epithelium of the pronephros. During later development, mRNA found in all subregions of the heart, in the glomus, tubules and duct of the pronephros, in the retinal ganglion cell layer (gcl) and in the epiphysis.