Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables ATP hydrolysis activity. Involved in male gamete generation; secondary piRNA processing; and siRNA-mediated retrotransposon silencing by heterochromatin formation. Acts upstream of with a positive effect on piRNA-mediated retrotransposon silencing by heterochromatin formation. Acts upstream of or within regulation of protein localization. Located in cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granule; nucleus; and perinuclear region of cytoplasm. Part of ribonucleoprotein complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system mesentery; aorta-gonad-mesonephros; embryo ectoderm; gonad; and gonad primordium. Orthologous to human DDX4 (DEAD-box helicase 4).