Required for DNA replication, normal cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Forms a cytoplasmic complex with HSP90 and H1 linker histones and stimulates HSP90 ATPase activity. NASP and H1 histone are subsequently released from the complex and translocate to the nucleus where the histone is released for binding to DNA.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Rat Nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein
Binds to linker H1 histones but not to core histones. Also binds to HSP90 in the cytoplasm. This interaction stimulates binding of NASP to HIST1H1T/H1T.