[5] It is found in the cell nucleus that binds to pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) as a component of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein particles.

[7] This gene belongs to the subfamily of ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs).

The protein encoded by this gene is located in the nucleoplasm and has three repeats of KH domains that binds to RNAs.

[10] Deletions in the region encompassing HNRNPK have been found in the cells of acute myeloid leukemia in approximately 2% of cases.

Deficiencies in HNRNPK appear to specifically reduce the levels of the p42 isoform of CEBPA, which is a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of certain blood cells, as well as p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1), which is involved in pausing cell development for DNA repair.