RNA-binding protein that binds to AU-rich element (ARE) sequences of target mRNAs, including VEGF mRNA (PubMed:10734193, PubMed:9016658). May also bind poly-A tracts via RRM 3 (PubMed:9016658). May be involved in neuronal differentiation and maintenance (PubMed:9016658). Plays a role in the stabilization of GAP43 mRNA and in spatial learning (PubMed:11573004). Interacts with MAP1B light chain LC1. Brain specific (PubMed:9016658). Expressed in the hippocampus with expression in CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (PubMed:11573004). Up-regulated after spatial learning in radial arm maze experiments and in Morris water maze experiments. RRM 1 and RRM 2 bind cooperatively to AU-rich sequences in target mRNAs. RRM 3 binds to poly-A mRNA sequences. RNAi-mediated knockdown results in reduced Gap43 mRNA levels and impaired learning behavior in radial arm maze training. Belongs to the RRM elav family.