The protein encoded by this gene is a component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F complex, which recognizes the 7-methylguanosine cap structure at the 5' end of cellular mRNAs. The encoded protein aids in translation initiation by recruiting ribosomes to the mRNA. Association of this protein with the 4F complex is the rate-limiting step in translation initiation. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2012]