Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX6 (DDX6)

Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX6 (DDX6) is a member of the DEAD-box protein family, defined by the Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) motif, and functions as an RNA helicase crucial for mRNA metabolism[1][3]. DDX6 is predominantly found in cytoplasmic processing bodies (P-bodies) and stress granules, where it acts as a core component involved in mRNA decapping, degradation, translation suppression, and microRNA-induced gene silencing[1][2][4]. Its ATPase activity allows it to remodel RNA-protein complexes, thereby regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. DDX6 has roles in neurodevelopment, and variants are associated with intellectual disability syndromes[2]. It acts as a co-factor or scaffold in multi-protein complexes, not by simple RNA unwinding alone. DDX6 is also implicated in oncogenesis due to its effects on cell proliferation and has been reported to interact with viral RNAs and viral assembly in infection processes[4][5]. Lack of or malfunctioning DDX6 impairs the formation of P-bodies and stress granules, disrupting RNA turnover and cellular homeostasis[1][2].

Other names

HLR2RCKRck/p54ATP-dependent RNA helicase p54DEAD box protein 6Oncogene RCKIDDILFP54putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX6DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 6DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 6DEAD/H box polypeptide 6 (RNA helicase, 54kD)

Not applicable: No direct drugs targeting DDX6 are described. It participates as an **enzymatic regulator** in mRNA metabolism, and hypothetical drugs may inhibit its helicase activity or disrupt protein-protein interactions in RNA regulatory complexes.