ATP-dependent DNA helicase that unwinds single- and double-stranded DNA in a 3'-5' direction ( ). Participates in DNA replication and repair ( , ). Involved in 5'-end resection of DNA during double-strand break (DSB) repair: unwinds DNA and recruits DNA2 which mediates the cleavage of 5'-ssDNA . Negatively regulates sister chromatid exchange (SCE) . Stimulates DNA 4-way junction branch migration and DNA Holliday junction dissolution . Binds single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), forked duplex DNA and DNA Holliday junction ( ). Recruited by the KHDC3L-OOEP scaffold to DNA replication forks where it is retained by TRIM25 ubiquitination, it thereby promotes the restart of stalled replication forks (By similarity).
(Microbial infection) Eliminates nuclear HIV-1 cDNA, thereby suppressing immune sensing and proviral hyper-integration.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Together with SPIDR, is redistributed in discrete nuclear DNA damage-induced foci following hydroxyurea (HU) or camptothecin (CPT) treatment. Accumulated at sites of DNA damage in a RMI complex- and SPIDR-dependent manner.