Involved in pre-mRNA splicing as component of the spliceosome (PubMed:18981222, PubMed:24244416). Facilitates nuclear export of spliced mRNA by releasing the RNA from the spliceosome (By similarity). Before and after egg-chamber formation, required for nurse-cell chromatin dispersal (NCCD) probably by playing a role in spliceosome localization to chromatin/interchromatin spaces (PubMed:24244416). ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Identified in the spliceosome C complex. Lethal. RNAi-mediated knockdown in the germ line results in defective nurse cell morphology. Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DEAH subfamily. DDX8/PRP22 sub-subfamily.