RNA-binding protein that affects the localization and the translation of a subset of mRNA. May play a role in adipogenesis through binding to the 3'-UTR of CEBPA mRNA and regulation of its translation. Targets ITPR1 mRNA to dendrites in Purkinje cells, and may regulate its activity-dependent translation. With ELAVL1, binds the 3'-UTR of p53/TP53 mRNAs to control their nuclear export induced by CDKN2A. Hence, may regulate p53/TP53 expression and mediate in part the CDKN2A anti-proliferative activity. May also bind CCNB1 mRNA. Alternatively, may also regulate p53/TP53 activity through direct protein-protein interaction. Interacts with p53/TP53 and promotes cell-cycle arrest over apoptosis enhancing preferentially the DNA binding and transactivation of p53/TP53 on cell-cycle arrest target genes over proapoptotic target genes. May also regulate the ubiquitination and stability of CDKN1A promoting DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest. Also plays a role in megakaryocytes differentiation. Interacts with p53/TP53; the interaction is direct and enhances p53/TP53 transactivation functions on cell-cycle arrest target genes, resulting in growth arrest. Interacts with ELAVL1; the interaction is indirect, mRNA-dependent and may regulate p53/TP53 expression. Detected in dendrites of Purkinje cells and hippocampal neurons. Expressed in brain and testis (at protein level). In brain, the expression is located to olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, satellite cells and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum molecular layer. Detected in bone marrow, white and brown adipose tissue, lung and at lower levels in the thymus. At 14.5 dpc, expressed in large polynucleated cells within the liver. Induced during adipogenesis. By p53/TP53 in response to DNA damage. Ubiquitinated upon prolonged exposure to genotoxic stress, which leads to proteasomal degradation of ZNF385A and releases p53/TP53 from cell-cycle arrest target gene promoters. No visible phenotype at birth. Between 2-3 weeks after birth, some lethality is observed, may be due to internal hemorrhaging mainly in brain and gastrointestinal tracts. Surviving mutants are fertile and smaller than their wild-type littermates. Deficiency alters hemostasis which is associated with a block in the formation of alpha-granules in megakaryocytes and abnormal platelet morphology. Mice also exhibit tremor, ataxic gate, tilted head, severe impairments in motor coordination and motor learning related to cerebellar functions. Mice show functional deregulation of adipose tissues, although the total fat mass is not affected. They express lower levels of C/EBP alpha in adipose tissue, have impaired glucose tolerance with high plasma insulin levels and plasma adiponectin levels are significantly lower. Upon genotoxic stress, skin and prostate show increased apoptosis.