The DEAD-box protein family of RNA helicases

RNA helicases of the DEAD-box protein family have been shown to participate in every aspect of RNA metabolism. They are present in most organisms where they work as RNA helicases or RNPases. The properties of these enzymes in vivo remains poorly described, however some were extensively characterized in vitro, and the solved crystal structures of a few are now available. Taken together, this information gives insight into the regulation of ATP and RNA binding as well as in the ATPase and helicase activities. This review will focus on the description of the molecular characteristics of members of the DEAD-box protein family and on the enzymatic activities they possess.