Multifunctional ATP-dependent RNA helicase. The ATPase activity can be stimulated by various ribo-and deoxynucleic acids indicative for a relaxed substrate specificity. In vitro can unwind partially double-stranded DNA with a preference for 5'-single-stranded DNA overhangs. Involved in many cellular processes, which do not necessarily require its ATPase/helicase catalytic activities. Involved in the regulation of transcription and translation initiation. Involved in innate immunity (By similarity). Involved in both stress and inflammatory responses (By similarity). May negatively regulate extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway via death domain receptors. May be involved in mitotic chromosome segregation (By similarity). Required for canonical Wnt signaling involved in anteroposterior neural patterning (PubMed:23413191). ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Shuttles between the nucleus and the cytosol. Widely expressed throughout embryogenesis. At gastrula stage (st. 10.5), equal expression in ventral and dorsal marginal zones. At neurula stage (st. 18), highest expression levels in ectodermal cells. Morpholino knockdown of the protein causes anteriorization of embryos, that exhibit enlarged heads and eyes, shortened tails and defective melanocyte and eye pigmentation. Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DDX3/DED1 subfamily.