Acts as mRNA export factor involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport (PubMed:33849972, PubMed:20498086). Plays a role in mitotic bipolar spindle formation (PubMed:17172455). May function in attaching cytoplasmic mRNPs to the cytoskeleton both directly or indirectly (PubMed:17172455). Interacts with NUMA1 (via N-terminal end of the coiled-coil domain); this interaction promotes spindle formation in mitosis (PubMed:17172455). Interacts with NUP98 (PubMed:20498086). Interacts with MYCBP2 (PubMed:22357847). Interacts with USP11 (PubMed:29293652). (Microbial infection) Interacts with SARS coronavirus-2/SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 protein; the interaction displaces RAE1 from the nuclear envelope and impairs its role in nucleocytoplasmic transport. (Microbial infection) Interacts with SARS coronavirus/SARS-CoV ORF6 protein. Recruited from interphase nuclei to spindle MTs during mitosis. Belongs to the WD repeat rae1 family.