Involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by interactions with poly(A)-binding protein. Interacts with MKT1. Localizes to cytosolic puncta at 24 degrees Celsius (Probable). Localizes to stress granules and P-bodies at 37 degrees Celsius (Probable). Phosphorylated (PubMed:27611567). Probably dephosphorylated by calcineurin (PubMed:27611567). Abnormal sexual reproduction; decreases MFalpha1 expression and abolishes basidiospore chain formation (PubMed:27611567, PubMed:31681631). Decreases virulence in a mouse intranasal inhalation model for pulmonary infection; virulence is completely lost in a double knockout with CRZ1 (PubMed:27611567). Resistance to high temperature; resistance is suppressed in a double knockout with CRZ1 (PubMed:27611567, PubMed:31681631). Resistance to tacrolimus (calcineurin inhibitor) (PubMed:27611567). Resistance to dithiothreitol (ER stress inducer) (PubMed:27611567). Resistance to tunicamycin (ER stress inducer) (PubMed:27611567). Belongs to the ataxin-2 family.