DNA-dependent helicase and 5' to 3' DNA helicase required for the maintenance of chromosomal stability. Involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination. Involved in the repair of abasic sites at replication forks by promoting the degradation of DNA-protein cross-links: acts by catalyzing unfolding of HMCES DNA-protein cross-link via its helicase activity, exposing the underlying DNA and enabling cleavage of the DNA-protein adduct by the SPRTN metalloprotease 