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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
DNA Vector-based RNA Interference to Study Gene Function in Cancer
Published on: June 4, 2012
DEAD box RNA helicases: crucial regulators of gene expression and oncogenesis
Moumita Sarkar1, Mrinal Kanti Ghosh2
1CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology.
Abstract:
DEAD box protein family of RNA helicases are vital players of RNA metabolism, and constitute the largest family of RNA helicases. Members of this family share nine conserved motifs including an Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp motif, giving this family its characteristic name as DEAD box RNA helicases. These conserved motifs confer RNA binding and RNA unwinding properties. Besides functioning in RNA metabolism, emerging evidences suggests several DEAD box RNA helicases to possess potential roles in regulating gene expression by acting as a transcriptional co-activator. Many of them are deregulated in cancers, and are implicated in possessing oncogenic potential. On the contrary, each of them also possesses tumor suppressive property in a context dependent manner. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic insights of gene regulation by DEAD box RNA helicases, and their significance in cancers.
Insights
DEAD box RNA helicases are crucial for RNA metabolism and gene regulation. This review explores their dual roles in cancer, acting as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- DEAD box proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases, essential for RNA metabolism.
- They possess conserved motifs enabling RNA binding and unwinding.
- Emerging evidence indicates their role in gene expression regulation as transcriptional co-activators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic insights into how DEAD box RNA helicases regulate gene expression.
- To discuss the significance of DEAD box RNA helicases in the context of cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on DEAD box RNA helicases.
- Analysis of their roles in RNA metabolism and gene regulation.
- Examination of their involvement in oncogenesis and tumor suppression.
Main Results:
- DEAD box RNA helicases are implicated in various stages of RNA processing.
- They can function as transcriptional co-activators, influencing gene expression.
- Their deregulation is observed in many cancers, with context-dependent oncogenic or tumor-suppressive properties.
Conclusions:
- DEAD box RNA helicases play multifaceted roles in gene regulation.
- Their dysregulation contributes to cancer development, presenting therapeutic targets.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate their complex functions in cancer.
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