FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as DDX21_HUMAN, DDX21. RNA helicase that acts as a sensor of the transcriptional status of both RNA polymerase (Pol) I and II: promotes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and transcription from polymerase II (Pol II) (PubMed:25470060, PubMed:28790157). Binds various RNAs, such as rRNAs, snoRNAs, 7SK and, at lower extent, mRNAs (PubMed:25470060). In the nucleolus, localizes to rDNA locus, where it directly binds rRNAs and snoRNAs, and promotes rRNA transcription, processing and modification. Required for rRNA 2'-O-methylation, possibly by promoting the recruitment of late-acting snoRNAs SNORD56 and SNORD58 with pre-ribosomal complexes (PubMed:25470060, PubMed:25477391). In the nucleoplasm, binds 7SK RNA and is recruited to the promoters of Pol II-transcribed genes: acts by facilitating the release of P-TEFb from inhibitory 7SK snRNP in a manner that is dependent on its helicase activity, thereby promoting transcription of its target genes (PubMed:25470060). Functions as cofactor for JUN-activated transcription: required for phosphorylation of JUN at 'Ser-77' (PubMed:11823437, PubMed:25260534). Can unwind double-stranded RNA (helicase) and can fold or introduce a secondary structure to a single-stranded RNA (foldase) (PubMed:9461305). Together with SIRT7, required to prevent R-loop-associated DNA damage and transcription-associated genomic instability: deacetylation by SIRT7 activates the helicase activity, thereby overcoming R-loop-mediated stalling of RNA polymerases (PubMed:28790157). Involved in rRNA processing (PubMed:14559904, PubMed:18180292). May bind to specific miRNA hairpins (PubMed:28431233). Component of a multi-helicase-TICAM1 complex that acts as a cytoplasmic sensor of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and plays a role in the activation of a cascade of antiviral responses including the induction of proinflammatory cytokines via the adapter molecule TICAM1 (By similarity). Homodimer; homodimerizes via its N-terminus. Found in a multi-helicase-TICAM1 complex at least composed of DHX36, DDX1, DDX21 and TICAM1; this complex exists in resting cells with or without poly(I:C) RNA ligand stimulation. Interacts (via C-terminus) with TICAM1 (via TIR domain). Interacts with DHX36 (via C-terminus); this interaction serves as bridges to TICAM1. Interacts (via C-terminus) with DDX1 (via B30.2/SPRY domain); this interaction serves as bridges to TICAM1. Component of the B-WICH complex, at least composed of SMARCA5/SNF2H, BAZ1B/WSTF, SF3B1, DEK, MYO1C, ERCC6, MYBBP1A and DDX21. Interacts with C1QBP. Interacts with JUN. Interacts with WDR46 (By similarity). Component of the B-WICH complex, at least composed of SMARCA5/SNF2H, BAZ1B/WSTF, SF3B1, DEK, MYO1C, ERCC6, MYBBP1A and DDX21. Interacts with C1QBP. Interacts with JUN (PubMed:11823437, PubMed:18180292). Interacts with WDR46 (PubMed:23848194). Interacts with MCM3AP isoform GANP (PubMed:23652018). Interacts with WDR43 (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

DDX21

Mutations

Mutation(s) distribution

Mutations table