Enables regulatory region RNA binding activity. Involved in positive regulation of interleukin-18 production; pyroptosis; and regulation of defense response. Acts upstream of or within cellular response to heat and circadian rhythm. Located in nucleolus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; lung; sensory organ; and vibrissa. Orthologous to human DHX9 (DExH-box helicase 9). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]