Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX43 (DDX43)

Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX43 (DDX43) is a member of the DEAD-box protein family, characterized by an ATP-dependent helicase activity essential for unwinding DNA and RNA. Structurally, it contains an N-terminal K-homology (KH) domain, a central helicase core, and a flexible linker. DDX43 shows highly restricted tissue expression, being nearly absent in normal tissues but greatly overexpressed in a broad spectrum of cancers and specifically in the testis. It regulates chromatin remodeling in spermiogenesis, facilitates piRNA amplification, and participates in ribosomal biogenesis. Deficiency or mutation of DDX43 in animal models leads to profound male infertility, implicating its role in histone-protamine exchange and chromatin condensation. DDX43 is considered a cancer/testis antigen and promising therapeutic target, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Clinical targeting of DDX43 remains investigational, with ongoing research into small molecule inhibitors and its use as a biomarker for patient stratification and therapy response

Other names

DDX43HAGECT13Cancer/testis antigen 13DEAD-box protein 43DEAD box protein HAGEHelical antigenputative ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX43DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 43

Drugs targeting DDX43 would act as enzyme inhibitors, specifically inhibiting ATPase and helicase function, thereby suppressing its role in RNA/DNA unwinding and gene regulation