ELYS is a protein of the nuclear matrix that contains one AT hook DNA-binding domain. ELYS is a dual nucleoporin/kinetochore protein required for nuclear pore assembly and proper cell division. Nuclear pores span the nuclear envelope and act as gated aqueous channels to regulate the transport of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm, from individual proteins and RNAs to entire viral genomes. The A.T. hook near the C-terminus of likely indicates ELYS can function as a transcription factor which may play a specific role in hematopoietic tissues. It also may play a role in early embryo development, as ELYS is critical for the survival of inner cells of the blastocyst.