Zinc-finger RNA-binding protein that destabilizes several cytoplasmic AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNA transcripts by promoting their poly(A) tail removal or deadenylation, and hence provide a mechanism for attenuating protein synthesis (PubMed:12198173, PubMed:15538381, PubMed:15467755, PubMed:17030608, PubMed:19179481, PubMed:20702587, PubMed:24700863, PubMed:25106868, PubMed:25014217, PubMed:26542173). Acts as a 3'-untranslated region (UTR) ARE mRNA-binding adapter protein to communicate signaling events to the mRNA decay machinery (PubMed:15687258). Functions by recruiting the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex and components of the cytoplasmic RNA decay machinery to the bound ARE-containing mRNAs, and hence promotes ARE-mediated mRNA deadenylation and decay processes (PubMed:15687258, PubMed:18326031, PubMed:25106868).