The karyopherin-related nuclear transport factor Exportin 5, also known as Exp5, preferentially recognizes and transports RNAs containing minihelix motifs, structural cis-acting export elements that comprise a double-stranded stem (14 nucleotides) with a base-paired 5' end and a 3-8-nucleotide protruding 3' end. Exportin 5 also mediates protein transport between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment. Exportin 5 belongs to a large family of karyopherins and stimulates nuclear export of dsRNA binding proteins eEF1A and tRNA.