Possesses single-stranded DNA-stimulated ATPase and ATP dependent DNA helicase (3' to 5') activity suggesting a role in nuclear processes such as recombination and transcription (By similarity). May participate in several chromatin remodeling complexes that mediate the ATP-dependent exchange of histones and remodel chromatin by shifting nucleosomes (By similarity). Involvement in these complexes is likely required for transcriptional activation of selected genes and DNA repair in response to DNA damage (By similarity). Involved in the Ce-Tor signaling pathway whereby it is required for the accumulation and localization of box C/D snoRNP to nucleoli to regulate ribosomal maturation and thus protein synthesis (PubMed:18804378). Antagonizes the transcriptional activity of transcription factor pha-4, to control postembryonic development and adult longevity (PubMed:17720918, PubMed:18804378). Has a role in pharyngeal development (PubMed:17720918). Has a role in gonadal development (PubMed:25437307). ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Forms homohexameric rings. May form a dodecamer with ruvb-2 made of two stacked hexameric rings. Expressed in gonadal cells. Expressed in most cells of the early embryo. From the two-cell stage until late embryogenesis, expression is restricted to pharyngeal cells. Detected in two intestinal cells during the larval stage. RNAi-mediated knockdown results in arrest at larval stage L3, with less than 40% forming a mature vulva, lipid accumulation, epidermal granule formation and reduced protein synthesis (PubMed:17720918, PubMed:18804378). There is also gonadal detachment during gonad migration (PubMed:25437307). Belongs to the RuvB family.