Single-stranded nucleic acid binding protein that binds preferentially to oligo dC. In case of infection by poliovirus, plays a role in initiation of viral RNA replication in concert with the viral protein 3CD. Abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle, thymus and peripheral blood leukocytes while a lower expression is observed in prostate, spleen, testis, ovary, small intestine, heart, liver, adrenal and thyroid glands.