May act as a translational repressor which regulates translation of specific mRNAs by forming a complex with PUM2 that associates with the 3'-UTR of mRNA targets. Capable of interfering with the proadhesive and anti-invasive functions of E-cadherin. Up-regulates the production of MMP14 to promote tumor cell invasion (By similarity). Not essential for normal development. Interacts with PUM2, SNAPIN and CTNNB1. Interacts (via N-terminal region) with CTNND1. Interacts with DDX20 (via N-terminal region) (By similarity). Colocalizes with SNAPIN and PUM2 in the perinuclear region of germ cells. Expressed in the oocyte. Transiently expressed in eight-cell embryos. At 12.5 dpc, it is re-expressed in the central nervous system and the expression continues in the adult brain, in which the hippocampal formation is the predominant region. Expressed in the seminiferous tubules of mature testis, but not in the primordial germ cells. Expressed both maternally and zygotically. The N-terminal region and C-terminal zinc-finger RNA-binding domain are both necessary for interaction with SNAPIN. The Nanos-type zinc finger is composed of two C2HC motifs, each motif binding one molecule of zinc. It is essential for the translation repression activity of the protein. Belongs to the nanos family. Truncated N-terminus.