This gene encodes an RNA-binding protein that is a member of the Musashi protein family. The encoded protein is translational regulator that targets genes involved in development and cell cycle regulation. Mutations in this gene are associated with poor prognosis in certain types of cancers. This gene has also been shown to be rearranged in certain cancer cells. The first musashi (abbreviation MSI) gene was first discovered in Drosophila and then later identified in other eukaryotic species. MSI2 is involved in organismal development. As with the rest of Musashi family RNA-binding proteins, MSI2 is linked to tissue stem cells and has an influence in asymmetric cell division, germ and somatic stem cell function and cell fate determination in a variety of tissues. As an RNA-binding protein, MSI2 is acts as a translational inhibitor. Through this molecular mechanism, MSI2 contributes in more than one vital aspect, as in the development of the nervous system, regulation of the Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment, or the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. MSI2 takes part in a high number of pathways related to the self-renewal of some stem cells. However, it is not only focused in one specific type. Depending on the tissue where it is located, it develops different functions.