AFfirm™ DDX21 Mouse Monoclonal Antibody - #BF9488

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). Binds various RNAs, such as rRNAs, snoRNAs, 7SK and, at lower extent, mRNAs. 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. 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. Functions as cofactor for JUN-activated transcription: required for phosphorylation of JUN at 'Ser-77'. Can unwind double-stranded RNA (helicase) and can fold or introduce a secondary structure to a single-stranded RNA (foldase). 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. Involved in rRNA processing. May bind to specific miRNA hairpins. 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).

Acetylation by CREBBP/CBP inhibits the helicase activity. Deacetylation by SIRT7 promotes the helicase activity and overcomes R-loop-mediated stalling of RNA polymerases.

Nucleus>Nucleolus. Nucleus>Nucleoplasm. Cytoplasm>Cytosol. Mitochondrion.
Note: Present both in nucleolus and nucleoplasm. Interaction with JUN promotes translocation from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm (PubMed:11823437, PubMed:18180292). Interaction with WDR46 is required for localization to the nucleolus (PubMed:23848194). Colocalizes in the cytosol with DDX1, DHX36 and TICAM1. The multi-helicase-TICAM1 complex may translocate to the mitochondria upon poly(I:C) RNA ligand stimulation (By similarity).

The helicase and foldase activities reside in two separate domains, the helicase in the N-terminus and the foldase in the C-terminus.

The 3 X 5 AA repeats seem to be critical for the RNA folding activity.

Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DDX21/DDX50 subfamily.