Functions in nuclear protein import as nuclear transport receptor. Serves as receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) in cargo substrates (PubMed:24753571). May mediate docking of the importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) through binding to nucleoporin and the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to the 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 (By similarity). Involved in nuclear import of M9-containing proteins. In vitro, binds directly to the M9 region of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP), A1 and A2 and mediates their nuclear import. Involved in hnRNP A1/A2 nuclear export. Mediates the nuclear import of ribosomal proteins RPL23A, RPS7 and RPL5 (PubMed:11682607). In vitro, mediates nuclear import of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 histones (By similarity). In vitro, mediates nuclear import of SRP19 (PubMed:11682607). Mediates nuclear import of ADAR/ADAR1 isoform 1 and isoform 5 in a RanGTP-dependent manner (PubMed:19124606, PubMed:24753571). (Microbial infection) In case of HIV-1 infection, binds and mediates the nuclear import of HIV-1 Rev. Identified in a complex that contains TNPO1, RAN and RANBP1 (PubMed:9428644). Binds HNRPA1, HNRPA2, HNRNPDL, RPS7, RPL5 and RAN. Interacts with H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 histones (By similarity). Interacts with isoform 1 and isoform 5 of ADAR/ADAR1 (via DRBM 3 domain) (PubMed:19124606, PubMed:24753571). Interacts with SNAI1 (via zinc fingers); the interaction mediates SNAI1 nuclear import (PubMed:19386897). Interacts with SNAI2 (via zinc fingers) (PubMed:19386897). Interacts with RPL23A (via BIB domain) and SRP19; this interaction is involved in RPL23A and SRP19 import into the nucleus (PubMed:11682607). (Microbial infection) Binds to HIV-1 Rev. Belongs to the importin beta family. Importin beta-2 subfamily.