Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX56 (DDX56)

Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX56 is an enzyme of the DEAD-box helicase family characterized by the conserved Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) motif. DDX56 is primarily a nucleolar protein with ATPase-dependent RNA unwinding activity central to ribosome biogenesis, particularly assembly of the large 60S ribosomal subunit. It is involved in the regulation of multiple RNA metabolic processes including transcription, splicing, translation, and RNA degradation, and plays a critical role in maintaining nucleolar integrity. DDX56 is overexpressed in several cancers, where it acts as an oncogene by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. Its regulatory influence extends to stem cell maintenance and innate immunity by interfering with pathways such as FOXO1/p21^Cip1/c-Myc and IRF3 nuclear translocation. Although a promising anti-cancer target, its essential roles in normal biology raise cautions regarding possible broad or stem cell-specific toxicities. Note: DDX21 and DDX56 are closely related but distinct genes; aliases including "DDX21" should be treated with caution, as DDX21 has separate biological and disease roles. Otherwise, DDX56 is a valid therapeutic target and molecular entity.

Other names

DDX56DEAD-box helicase 56NOH61ATP-dependent 61 kDa nucleolar RNA helicasenucleolar helicase of 61 kDaDEAD box protein 56DEAD box protein 21 (note: DDX21 is a distinct, though related protein)DEAD-box RNA helicaseputative nucleolar RNA helicase61-kDa nucleolar helicaseDEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 56DDX26 (rare/possible error)probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX56

no mechanism of action described for drugs specifically targeting DDX56, but suppression of DDX56 can affect cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and ribosome assembly