DEAD-box helicase 31 (DDX31)

DEAD-box helicase 31 (DDX31) is an ATP-dependent RNA and DNA helicase enzyme characterized by the conserved DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) motif. It belongs to the DEAD-box family, which is the largest group of RNA helicases and is structurally defined by two RecA-like domains connected by a flexible linker and conserved sequence motifs for RNA binding, ATP binding, and ATP hydrolysis[1][3][4][6]. DEAD-box helicases, including DDX31, act through unwinding short RNA duplexes and modulating secondary structure in a non-processive, non-sequence-specific manner, frequently acting as part of ribonucleoprotein complexes[4][6]. DDX31 plays a role in ribosome biogenesis and has been reported to regulate the p53-HDM2 pathway and rRNA transcription via interaction with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), particularly in the context of renal cell carcinoma[1][7]. While its full, unique functions remain undetermined, family members influence translation initiation, RNA splicing, cell growth, embryogenesis, and spermatogenesis. No approved drugs specifically target DDX31, nor is it established as a clinical biomarker or drug safety concern. However, its potential as a cancer-related therapeutic target and regulator of critical cellular processes makes it of growing investigational interest[1][3][7].

Other names

PPP1R25DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 31DEAD/H (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp/His) box polypeptide 31protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 25ATP-dependent DNA helicase DDX31DEAD box protein 31helicainprobable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX31

null (no drugs are reported to specifically target DDX31, but general mechanisms for DEAD-box helicases include inhibition of ATPase or helicase activity, affecting ribosome biogenesis and RNA processing)[1][4][6][7]