DNA-dependent ATPase (By similarity). May play a role in development of the palate and the limbs. May modulate chromosome segregation. ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Interacts with UBR1 and UBR2. Interacts with MCM10; this interaction regulates RECQL4 unwinding activity (By similarity). Not expressed at 12.5 dpc. Expressed at 15.5 dpc-18.5 dpc, with highest levels in chondrocytes of developing bone and cartilage and immature proliferating enterocytes of intestine. Early embryonic lethality. Transgenic mice with exon 13-deleted RECQL4 are severely growth-retarded and show high (95%) perinatal lethality. They exhibit various skin, bone, intestine, tooth and thymus abnormalities and premature aging features, but have normal sensitivity to IR and UV irradiation. In contrast, transgenic mice expressing a truncated form of RECQL4 exhibit mild perinatal lethality, no growth defect, but show defects of the skin and skeleton, aneuploidy and increased cancer susceptibility. Belongs to the helicase family. RecQ subfamily.