This gene encodes a member of the importin-beta family of nuclear transport proteins. The encoded protein mediates the import of specific cargo proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and is dependent on the Ras-related nuclear protein-GTPase system. The encoded protein is also involved in nuclear export of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009] see less This gene encodes a member of the importin-beta family of nuclear transport proteins. The encoded protein mediates the import of specific cargo proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and is dependent on the Ras-related nuclear protein-GTPase system. The encoded protein is also involved in nuclear export of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009]