Ribonucleic acid helicase (RNA helicase)

Ribonucleic acid helicases are a diverse family of enzymes that use energy from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis (usually ATP) to unwind or remodel RNA structures and ribonucleoprotein complexes[4][5]. They play central roles in nearly every aspect of RNA metabolism, including transcription, splicing, export, translation, editing, and degradation, and their proper function is crucial for cellular adaptation to stress and for maintaining genome integrity[1][3][7]. RNA helicases are classified into multiple subfamilies, such as DEAD-box, DEAH-box, and DExD/H-box types, and further grouped into superfamilies SF1 and SF2 based on sequence and structural motifs[2][4][6]. Dysregulation of RNA helicases is implicated in cancer, viral infections, and other diseases, making selective inhibition an avenue for targeted drug development and therapeutic exploration[7].

Other names

RNA helicaseDEAD-box helicase (for subfamily)DEAH-box helicase (for subfamily)DExD/H-box helicase (for subfamily)[4][6]Nucleic acid helicase (when context is less specific)[3][4]

Inhibition of ATPase activity Disruption of RNA binding or unwinding Blocking interactions with protein cofactors Modulating helicase response to viral infection or oncogenic pathways[7]