mRNA-binding protein which interacts with a range of target mRNAs including SERPINE1, ACTA2, CCN2 and COL4A1 and may promote extracellular matrix production. Binds to the 3'-UTR of SERPINE1 mRNA and stabilizes the mRNA, possibly by competing for binding with SERBP1 and preventing SERBP1-mediated mRNA degradation. Also binds to the 3'- UTR of ACTA2. Testis-derived lumicrine factor that triggers epididymal differentiation and sperm maturation. . This is the function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000243449 (NICOL1, NELL2 interacting cell ontogeny regulator 1).