Maternal RNA in oocytes remains in a dormant state as masking outcompetes eif4g to bind eif4e, thereby preventing translation. During oocyte maturation this complex dissolves and eif4g binds eif4e to allow translation of maternal RNAs (PubMed:10635326). Plays a role in the microtubule-dependent coupling of the nucleus and the centrosome (By similarity). Involved in microtubule assembly during M-phase. Involved in spindle pole assembly by recruiting and regulating ckap5 at the spindle pole leading to microtubule elongation (PubMed:16172207, PubMed:25262927). Found in a complex with cpeb1, tacc3/maskin and eif4e. Interacts with eif4e and cpeb1. Competes with eif4g for binding to eif4e (PubMed:10635326) Interacts with ckap5-a; two molecules of ckap5 interact with 1 molecule of tacc3 probably mediated by coiled coil domains forming a four-helix bundle (PubMed:25262927). Expressed both maternally and zygotically. Abundant in oocytes, with expression maintained through the midblastula stage, declining in gastrula and neurula stages, and disappearing by the tailbud stage (at protein level). Phosphorylation by aurka is required for localization to mitotic centrosomes. Belongs to the TACC family.