Background　RNA binding motif protein 3(RBM3) is a cold shock protein, produced upon hypothermia, in various cell types, including neurons and glial cells. RBM3 involves in many processes that protect neurons from a variety of injury.　Objective　To review structure, function and protective effects of RBM3.　Content　RBM3 contains a consensus sequence-RNA-binding domain, which binds DNAs or RNAs to regulate their transcription or translation in a plethora of species, tissues and cell types. In the nervous system, RBM3 is implicated in maintaining synthesis of proteins implicated in synaptic plasticity. The upregulation of RBM3 is triggered by hypothermia, spinal cord injury, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and plays important roles in preventing neuronal apoptosis.　Trend　RBM3 is a promising target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases because it prevents neuronal apoptosis and improves impaired synaptic plasticity.