该基因编码dna螺旋酶蛋白recq亚家族的一个成员。编码的核蛋白在维持基因组稳定性中起着重要作用，在dna修复、复制、转录和端粒维持中发挥着重要作用。该蛋白在其中心区域包含一个n端3'到5'的外切酶域、一个atp依赖的螺旋酶域和rqc（recq螺旋酶保守区）域，以及一个c端hrdc（螺旋酶rnase d c端）域和核定位信号。该基因缺陷是werner综合征的病因，这是一种常染色体隐性遗传疾病，其特征是加速衰老和某些癌症的风险增加。
This gene encodes a member of the RecQ subfamily of DNA helicase proteins. The encoded nuclear protein is important in the maintenance of genome stability and plays a role in DNA repair, replication, transcription and telomere maintenance. This protein contains a N-terminal 3' to 5' exonuclease domain, an ATP-dependent helicase domain and RQC (RecQ helicase conserved region) domain in its central region, and a C-terminal HRDC (helicase RNase D C-terminal) domain and nuclear localization signal. Defects in this gene are the cause of Werner syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by accelerated aging and an elevated risk for certain cancers.