Enables long noncoding RNA binding activity; mRNA 5'-UTR binding activity; and translation initiation factor binding activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including forebrain development; mRNA splice site selection; and regulation of gene expression. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including branchial arch; early embryo; musculature; nervous system; and testis. Orthologous to human CELF1 (CUGBP Elav-like family member 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]