The function of SETX (senataxin, ENSG00000107290) is as follows. ATP-dependent 5'-3' helicase that preferentially unwinds RNA:DNA substrates over DNA:DNA substrates, playing a crucial role in resolving 5'-overhang RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) and promoting transcription termination (PubMed:36864660). Plays a role in transcription regulation by its ability to modulate RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) binding to chromatin and through its interaction with proteins involved in transcription (PubMed:19515850, PubMed:21700224). Contributes to the mRNA splicing efficiency and splice site selection (PubMed:19515850). Required for the resolution of R-loop RNA-DNA hybrid formation at G-rich pause sites located downstream of the poly(A) site, allowing XRN2 recruitment and XRN2-mediated degradation of the downstream cleaved RNA and hence efficient RNA polymerase II (RNAp II) transcription termination (PubMed:19515850, PubMed:21700224, PubMed:26700805). Required for the 3' transcriptional termination of PER1 and CRY2, thus playing an important role in the circadian rhythm regulation (By similarity). Involved in DNA double-strand breaks damage response generated by oxidative stress (PubMed:17562789). In association with RRP45, targets the RNA exosome complex to sites of transcription-induced DNA damage (PubMed:24105744). Plays a role in the development and maturation of germ cells: essential for male meiosis, acting at the interface of transcription and meiotic recombination, and in the process of gene silencing during meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) (By similarity). May be involved in telomeric stability through the regulation of telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) transcription (PubMed:21112256). Plays a role in neurite outgrowth in hippocampal cells through FGF8-activated signaling pathways. Inhibits retinoic acid-induced apoptosis (PubMed:21576111). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:A2AKX3, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17562789, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19515850, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21112256, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21576111, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21700224, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24105744, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26700805, ECO:0000269|PubMed:36864660}.