DDX21

DDX21

The structure of DDX21 protein.

DDX21 is a protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including RNA metabolism and innate immune response. It belongs to the DEAD-box RNA helicase family, which is characterized by the presence of a conserved helicase domain.

Structure and Function

The DDX21 protein consists of several domains, including an N-terminal helicase domain, a C-terminal domain, and multiple RNA-binding domains. The helicase domain is responsible for the ATP-dependent unwinding of RNA duplexes, while the RNA-binding domains facilitate the interaction of DDX21 with specific RNA molecules.

DDX21 is involved in various RNA-related processes, such as RNA splicing, ribosome biogenesis, and mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. It interacts with other proteins and RNA molecules to form complexes that regulate these processes.

Additionally, DDX21 has been found to play a role in the innate immune response. It acts as a sensor for viral RNA, triggering the production of interferons and other immune response molecules. This function is crucial for the host defense against viral infections.

Role in Disease

DDX21 dysregulation has been implicated in various diseases. For example, altered expression of DDX21 has been observed in certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer. In these cases, DDX21 may contribute to tumor progression by affecting RNA processing and gene expression.

Furthermore, mutations in the DDX21 gene have been associated with developmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. These mutations can disrupt the normal function of DDX21, leading to impaired RNA metabolism and cellular processes.

See Also

• RNA helicase
• Innate immune response
• RNA metabolism