This gene product constitutes one of the subunits of the
multisubunit particle called exosome, which mediates mRNA
degradation. The composition of human exosome is similar to its
yeast counterpart. This protein is homologous to the yeast Mtr3
protein. Its exact function is not known, however, it has been
shown using a cell-free RNA decay system that the exosome is
required for rapid degradation of unstable mRNAs containing AU-rich
elements (AREs), but not for poly(A) shortening. The exosome does
not recognize ARE-containing mRNAs on its own, but requires
ARE-binding proteins that could interact with the exosome and
recruit it to unstable mRNAs, thereby promoting their rapid
degradation.
