This gene encodes a member of the DEAH (Asp-Glu-Ala-His) subfamily of proteins, part of the DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box family of RNA helicases. The encoded protein functions in translation initiation, and is specifically required for ribosomal scanning across stable mRNA secondary structures during initiation codon selection. This protein may also play a role in sensing virally derived cytosolic nucleic acids. Knockdown of this gene results in reduced protein translation and impaired proliferation of cancer cells. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016]