Enables mRNA 3'-UTR AU-rich region binding activity. Acts upstream of or within germ cell development; positive regulation of cell population proliferation; and stem cell division. Located in cytoplasmic stress granule and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including branchial arch; central nervous system; sensory organ; and trunk. Orthologous to human TIAL1 (TIA1 cytotoxic granule associated RNA binding protein like 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]