DEAD box proteins, characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD), are putative RNA helicases. They are implicated in a number of cellular processes involving alteration of RNA secondary structure, such as translation initiation, nuclear and mitochondrial splicing, and ribosome and spliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution patterns, some members of the DEAD box protein family are believed to be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the DEAD box protein family and interacts with several spliceosomal proteins. In addition, the encoded protein may recognize the bacterial second messengers cyclic di-GMP and cyclic di-AMP, resulting in the induction of genes involved in the innate immune response.