The La RNA-binding protein and other proteins have the HTH La-type RNA-binding (IPR006630) domain at their N-terminus. In the nucleus, La functions as a transcription factor for RNA polymerase III (RNAP III), while in the cytoplasm, it functions as a translation factor. La facilitates the folding and maturation of nascent RNAP III transcripts by binding to the 3'UTR in the nucleus. In the cytoplasm, La can find a certain type of mRNAs that have a 5' terminal oligopyrimidine (5'TOP) motif that controls protein production. The N-terminal domain of La, which comprises the La motif and an RNA recognition motif (RRM), is responsible for specific recognition.