Sequence-specific RNA-binding protein that regulates mRNA cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translation initiation during oocyte maturation, early development and at postsynapse sites of neurons. Binds to the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE), an uridine-rich sequence element (consensus sequence 5-UUUUUAU-3) within the mRNA 3-UTR. RNA binding results in a clear conformational change analogous to the Venus fly trap mechanism.
