Predicted to enable Hsp70 protein binding activity and nuclear import signal receptor activity. Predicted to be involved in cellular response to heat and protein import into nucleus. Predicted to act upstream of or within protein transport. Predicted to be located in cytoplasm. Predicted to be active in cytosol and nucleus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 13. Orthologous to human HIKESHI (heat shock protein nuclear import factor hikeshi).