DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5)

DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) is a highly conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase known for its essential role in RNA metabolism, including regulation of pre-mRNA splicing, RNA export, transcription, translation, and decay[2][5]. DDX5 is expressed in various tissues and is particularly abundant in the vascular wall, where it maintains smooth muscle cell (SMC) homeostasis and inhibits aberrant SMC proliferation and migration, thereby modulating vascular remodeling processes[1]. DDX5 achieves its regulatory functions through its helicase activity and protein-protein interactions, notably binding transcription factors such as GATA-6, affecting gene expression critical for cell cycle control[1]. Dysregulation or aberrant expression of DDX5 has been implicated in cancer progression and vascular diseases. While DDX5 is a compelling therapeutic target, there are as yet no approved drugs that directly inhibit its activity, and there are concerns about on-target toxicity due to its broad role in fundamental RNA processes.

Other names

p68RNA helicase p68DDX-5DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 5

Drugs or molecules targeting DDX5 would act as ATPase/helicase enzyme inhibitors, interfering with RNA unwinding, RNA-protein complex remodeling, or transcription/splicing regulation. Small molecules may disrupt DDX5 interactions with key cofactors such as GATA-6, altering downstream gene expression.