Probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX20, also known asDEAD-box helicase 20 andgem-associated protein 3 (GEMIN3), is anenzyme that in humans is encoded by theDDX20gene.[5][6]
DEAD box proteins, characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD), are putativeRNA helicases. They are implicated in a number of cellular processes involving alteration of RNA secondary structure such as translation initiation, nuclear and mitochondrial splicing, andribosome andspliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution patterns, some members of this family are believed to be involved inembryogenesis,spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. This gene encodes a DEAD box protein, which has anATPase activity and is a component of thesurvival of motor neuron (SMN) complex.[6] SMN is the spinal muscular atrophy gene product, and may play a catalytic role in the function of the SMN complex on RNPs.[6]
Previous research has revealed that DDX20 may act as a tumor suppressor inhepatocellular carcinoma and as atumor promoter inbreast cancer. DDX20 deficiency enhancesNF-κB activity by impairing the NF-κB-suppressive action ofmicroRNAs, and suggest that dysregulation of the microRNA machinery components may also be involved in pathogenesis in various human diseases.[7] Such as miRNA-140 which acts as a liver tumor suppressor, and due to a deficiency of DDX20, miRNA-140 function gets impair, this subsequent functional impairment of miRNAs could lead to hepatocarcinogenesis. Similarly,[8] DDX20 may promote the progression ofProstate cancer (PCa) through the NF-κB pathway.[9] In a clinical based study it has been observed that positive DP103/NF-κB feedback loop promotes constitutive NF-κB activation in invasive breast cancers and activation of this pathway is linked to cancer progression and the acquisition ofchemotherapy resistance. It makes DP103 has potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.[10]
^Takata A, Otsuka M, Yoshikawa T, Kishikawa T, Kudo Y, Goto T, et al. (April 2012). "A miRNA machinery component DDX20 controls NF-κB via microRNA-140 function".Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.420 (3):564–569.doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.03.034.PMID22445758.
Lehner B, Semple JI, Brown SE, Counsell D, Campbell RD, Sanderson CM (January 2004). "Analysis of a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid system and its use to predict the function of intracellular proteins encoded within the human MHC class III region".Genomics.83 (1):153–167.doi:10.1016/S0888-7543(03)00235-0.PMID14667819.
