RNA recognition motif (RRM) found in the Aly/REF family
This subfamily corresponds to the RRM of Aly/REF family which includes THO complex subunit 4 (THOC4, also termed Aly/REF), S6K1 Aly/REF-like target (SKAR, also termed PDIP3 or PDIP46) and similar proteins. THOC4 is an mRNA transporter protein with a well conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM), also termed RBD (RNA binding domain) or RNP (ribonucleoprotein domain). It is involved in RNA transportation from the nucleus, and was initially identified as a transcription coactivator of LEF-1 and AML-1 for the TCRalpha enhancer function. In addition, THOC4 specifically binds to rhesus (RH) promoter in erythroid, and might be a novel transcription cofactor for erythroid-specific genes. SKAR shows high sequence homology with THOC4 and possesses one RRM as well. SKAR is widely expressed and localizes to the nucleus. It may be a critical player in the function of S6K1 in cell and organism growth control by binding the activated, hyperphosphorylated form of S6K1 but not S6K2. Furthermore, SKAR functions as a protein partner of the p50 subunit of DNA polymerase delta. In addition, SKAR may have particular importance in pancreatic beta cell size determination and insulin secretion.