Essential for the formation of P-bodies, cytosolic membrane-less ribonucleoprotein granules involved in RNA metabolism through the coordinated storage of mRNAs encoding regulatory functions (By similarity). Plays a role in P-bodies to coordinate the storage of translationally inactive mRNAs in the cytoplasm and prevent their degradation (By similarity). In the process of mRNA degradation, plays a role in mRNA decapping (By similarity). Blocks autophagy in nutrient-rich conditions by repressing the expression of ATG-related genes through degradation of their transcripts (PubMed:26098573). ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Interacts with LSM14A, LSM14B, EIF4ENIF1/4E-T, PATL1, EDC3 and EDC4 (By similarity). Forms a complex with DCP1A, DCP2, EDC3 and EDC4/HEDLS (By similarity). Interacts with LIMD1, WTIP and AJUBA (By similarity). Interacts with APOBEC3G in an RNA-dependent manner (By similarity). Interacts with RC3H1 (PubMed:20639877). Interacts with ATXN2L (By similarity). Interacts with MCRIP1 (By similarity). Interacts with MCRIP2 (By similarity). Interacts with NUFIP2 (By similarity). Interacts with TRIM71 (via NHL repeats) in an RNA-dependent manner (By similarity). Interacts with GIGYF1 and GIGYF2 (By similarity). Imported in the nucleus via interaction with EIF4ENIF1/4E-T via a piggy-back mechanism. Upon cellular stress, relocalizes to stress granules. Abundant expression in growing oocytes, levels decline in primary and secondary oocytes, and degradation appears to be complete by the mid-late two-cell stage. Sumoylated. Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DDX6/DHH1 subfamily.