Acts as a primer for viral RNA replication and remains covalently bound to viral genomic RNA. VPg is uridylylated prior to priming replication into VPg-pUpU (By similarity). The oriI viral genomic sequence may act as a template for this. The VPg-pUpU is then used as primer on the genomic RNA poly(A) by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to replicate the viral genome (By similarity). Following genome release from the infecting virion in the cytoplasm, the VPg-RNA linkage is probably removed by host TDP2 (By similarity). During the late stage of the replication cycle, host TDP2 is excluded from sites of viral RNA synthesis and encapsidation, allowing for the generation of progeny virions (By similarity). Major viral protease that mediates proteolytic processing of the polyprotein (By similarity). Cleaves host EIF5B, contributing to host translation shutoff (By similarity). Cleaves also host PABPC1, contributing to host translation shutoff (By similarity). Selective cleavage of Gln-|-Gly bond in the poliovirus polyprotein. In other picornavirus reactions Glu may be substituted for Gln, and Ser or Thr for Gly. Interacts with RNA-directed RNA polymerase. Specific enzymatic cleavages in vivo by the viral proteases yield processing intermediates and the mature proteins. VPg is uridylylated by the polymerase into VPg-pUpU. This acts as a nucleotide-peptide primer for the genomic RNA replication. Belongs to the picornaviruses polyprotein family.