Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX17 (DDX17)

Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX17 is a multifunctional RNA helicase belonging to the DEAD-box protein family, characterized by the conserved Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp motif. DDX17 regulates a variety of key cellular processes, including RNA secondary structure modification, pre-mRNA alternative splicing, ribosome and spliceosome assembly, microRNA processing, and acts as a transcriptional coactivator or corepressor, participating in chromatin remodeling and influencing chromatin accessibility. Its roles extend to cell differentiation, embryogenesis, and spermatogenesis. DDX17 is also implicated in disease processes such as cancer, where it may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, and in cardiovascular disease, where its expression correlates with protection against heart failure via support of mitochondrial homeostasis. DDX17 closely interacts with other helicases such as DDX5 and with chromatin modifiers (e.g., HDAC1, CBP/p300). The broad involvement and essential functions of DDX17 categorize it as a fundamental gene and protein for RNA metabolism and gene regulation, but currently, no therapeutics directly targeting DDX17 are in clinical use.

Other names

DEAD-box helicase 17DDX17p72DEAD box protein 17DEAD box protein p72DEAD box protein p82RNA-dependent helicase p72p72 RNA helicaseRH70DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 17DEAD box polypeptide 17DEAD/H (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp/His) box polypeptide 17 (72kD)

Not established for drugs, but as a target, modulation of ATP-dependent RNA unwinding, alteration of spliceosome function, or regulation of chromatin state are conceivable therapeutic mechanisms