function:Functions in nuclear protein import as nuclear transport receptor. Serves as receptor for nuclear localization signals (NLS) in cargo substrates. Is thought to mediate docking of the importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) through binding to nucleoporin and the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to the importin, the importin/substrate complex dissociates and importin is re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus (By similarity). Mediates the nuclear import of H2B histone (By similarity), RPS7 and RPL18A. Prevents the cytoplasmic aggregation of RPS7 and RPL18A by shielding exposed basic domains. May also import H2A, H3, H4 histones (By similarity), RPL4 and RPL6.,similarity:Belongs to the importin beta family.,similarity:Contains 1 importin N-terminal domain.,subunit:Binds with high affinity to RPS7 and RPL18A. The binding is coupled to RanGTP cycles. May bind H2A, H3, H4 histones (By similarity), RPL4 and RPL6 with low affinity. Interacts with PPP2R1A and PPP2R1B.,