RING finger protein unkempt homolog (UNK)

Sequence-specific RNA-binding protein which plays an significant role in the establishment and maintenance of the early morphology of cortical neurons during embryonic development. Acts as a translation repressor and controls a translationally controlled cell morphology program to ensure appropriate functioning of the nervous system.

Translational control depends on recognition of its binding component within target mRNAs which consists of a mandatory UAG trimer upstream of a U/A-rich motif. Associated with polysomes (PubMed:25737280).