DEAD-box RNA helicases comprise a family within helicase superfamily 2 and make up the largest group of
RNA helicases. They are a profoundly conserved family of
RNA-binding proteins, carrying a generic
Asp-Glu-
Ala-Asp (D-E-A-D) motif that gives the family its name. Members of the DEAD-box family of
RNA helicases are engaged in all facets of
RNA metabolism from biogenesis to decay. DEAD-box
proteins ordinarily function as constituents of enormous multi-
protein complexes and it is believed that interactions with other components in the complexes might be answerable for the various capacities ascribed to these
proteins. Therefore, their exact function is probably impacted by their interacting partners and to be profoundly context dependent. This may give a clarification to the occasionally inconsistent reports proposing that DEAD-box
proteins have both pro- and anti-proliferative functions in
cancer. There is emerging evidence that DEAD-box family of
RNA helicases play pivotal functions in various cellular processes and in numerous cases have been embroiled in cellular proliferation and/or neoplastic transformation. In various
malignancy types,
DEAD-box RNA helicases have been reported to possess pro-proliferation or even oncogenic roles as well as anti-proliferative or
tumor suppressor functions. Clarifying the exact function of DEAD-box helicases in
cancer is probably intricate, and relies upon the cellular milieu and interacting factors. This review aims to summarize the current data on the numerous capacities that have been ascribed to
DEAD-box RNA helicases. It also highlights their diverse actions upon malignant transformation in the various
tumor types.