Enables several functions, including RNA binding activity; protein homodimerization activity; and protein sequestering activity. Contributes to pre-miRNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of gene expression; positive regulation of viral genome replication; and regulation of defense response. Located in cytoplasm and nuclear body. Part of RISC complex and RISC-loading complex.
RGD Description
HIV-1, the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), contains an RNA genome that produces a chromosomally integrated DNA during the replicative cycle. Activation of HIV-1 gene expression by the transactivator Tat is dependent on an RNA regulatory element (TAR) located downstream of the transcription initiation site. The protein encoded by this gene binds between the bulge and the loop of the HIV-1 TAR RNA regulatory element and activates HIV-1 gene expression in synergy with the viral Tat protein. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. This gene also has a pseudogene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]