ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX25 (DDX25)

ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX25 is a testis-specific enzyme in the DEAD-box protein family, characterized by the conserved Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) motif and is essential for mRNA export and translation regulation during spermatid development. DDX25 is regulated by gonadotropins in male gonadal cells, predominantly expressed in meiotic spermatocytes and round spermatids, where it is critical for the completion of spermatogenesis and normal sperm formation. Its functional activities include shuttling mRNAs from the nucleus to cytoplasmic sites, assisting in the formation and structural maintenance of chromatoid bodies, participating in miRNA biogenesis, and preventing apoptosis of germ cells. Functional ablation or mutations in DDX25 cause arrest in spermatid maturation and male infertility. While no direct drug interactions have been reported, other DEAD-box helicases are emerging therapeutic targets, especially in cancer, suggesting potential future interest in DDX25 as a target in reproductive medicine or oncology, although with concerns about fertility-related adverse effects.

Other names

DEAD-box helicase 25GRTHGonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicaseDEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 25DEAD box protein 25DEAD/H (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp/His) box polypeptide 25epididymis secretory sperm binding protein