Based on limited published evidence, ZAR1L is an mRNA-binding protein required for maternal mRNA storage, translation, and degradation during oocyte maturation. It binds to the 3'-UTR of maternal mRNAs and inhibits their translation in immature oocytes 1. ZAR1L undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation to form membraneless compartments storing maternal mRNAs. The conserved C-terminal CxxC domain is functionally critical 1. ZAR1L colocalizes with P-body and chr13 body components, suggesting roles in RNA regulation during early embryonic development 2. Its dominant-negative expression causes two-cell-stage embryonic arrest with altered histone methylation patterns 2.