The function of ENSG00000139910 (NOVA1, NOVA alternative splicing regulator 1) is as follows. RNA-binding protein which regulates alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs in the brain and spinal cord in a sequence-specific manner (By similarity). Binds to 5'-YCAY-3' repeats, with a minimum of 2 to 3 repeats necessary for high-affinity binding. Mediates both exon inclusion and exclusion, depending upon the position of its binding site within the pre-mRNA (PubMed:10811881). Binding to 5'-YCAY-3' clusters results in a local and asymmetric action to regulate spliceosome assembly. Binding to an exonic 5'-YCAY-3' cluster changes the protein complexes assembled on pre-mRNA, blocking U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) binding and inhibiting exon inclusion, whereas binding to an intronic 5'-YCAY-3' repeat enhances spliceosome assembly and favors exon inclusion (By similarity). Regulates the splicing of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit gamma-2 (GABRG2) and glycine receptor subunit alpha-2 (GLRA2) pre-mRNAs, among others (By similarity). Autoregulates its own splicing. Binds to its own exon 4 and directs its exclusion, thus leading to NOVA1 isoform 3 production (By similarity). May affect the splicing of many genes involved in vocal behavior (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9JKN6, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10811881}.