Implicated in nucleolar organization, ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis and cytoplasmic dsRNA sensing (By similarity) (PubMed:21930779). Stimulates RNA polymerase I transcription of the 47S precursor rRNA. Associates with ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci where it is involved in POLR1A recruitment (PubMed:21930779). In the cytoplasm, promotes elongation-competent 80S ribosome assembly at the late stage of mRNA translation initiation (PubMed:26100019). Senses cytosolic dsRNA mediating NLRP3 inflammasome formation in macrophages and type I interferon production in myeloid dendritic cells (By similarity). Required for NLRP3 activation induced by viral dsRNA and bacterial RNA (By similarity). In dendritic cells, required for induction of type I interferon production induced by cytoplasmic dsRNA via the activation of MAPK and NF-kappa-B signaling pathways (PubMed:24037184). ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Interacts with UBTF (PubMed:21930779). Interacts with DDX3X, EIF3G and EIF3H; the interaction is independent of RNA (PubMed:26100019). Interacts (via HA2 region and Helicase C-terminal domain) with the components of the large ribosomal subunit RPL3, RPL7, RPL26 and RPL27 (PubMed:26100019). Binds to mRNA (PubMed:26100019). Interacts (via the helicase C-terminal domain) with MAVS (PubMed:24037184). Binds to double-stranded RNA (via the helicase C-terminal domain) (PubMed:24037184). Predominantly in the nucleolus. During mitosis, localizes with the nucleolar organizing regions. Upon dsRNA-binding, localizes in the inflammasome. Ubiquitinated, leading to its degradation by the proteasome (PubMed:29273634). Deubiquitinated by USP36 (PubMed:29273634). Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DEAH subfamily.