Involved in nuclear protein import, either by acting as autonomous nuclear transport receptor or as an adapter-like protein in association with the importin-beta subunit KPNB1. Acting autonomously, may serve as receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) and promote translocation of import substrates through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to importin, the importin/substrate complex dissociates and importin is re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus (PubMed:9214382). In vitro mediates the nuclear import of the signal recognition particle protein SRP19 (PubMed:11682607). May also be involved in cytoplasm-to-nucleus shuttling of a broad spectrum of other cargos, including Argonaute-microRNAs complexes, the JUN protein, RELA/NF-kappa-B p65 subunit, the translation initiation factor EIF4E and a set of receptor-activated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) transcription factors that play a critical role downstream of the large family of transforming growth factor beta and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokines (Probable). Forms a heterodimer with KPNB1 (PubMed:9214382). Interacts with SRP19 (PubMed:11682607). Interacts with RPL23A (PubMed:11682607). Binds directly to nuclear pore complexes. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the importin beta family.