This gene encodes a member of the DEAD box family of RNA-dependent ATPases that mediate ATP hydrolysis during pre-mRNA splicing. The encoded protein is an essential splicing factor required for association of U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein with pre-mRNA, and it also plays an important role in mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This gene belongs to a cluster of genes localized in the vicinity of the genes encoding tumor necrosis factor alpha and tumor necrosis factor beta.