From RNA helicases to RNPases

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, all aspects of cellular RNA metabolism require putative RNA helicases of the DEAD and DExH protein families (collectively known as DExD/H families). Based on data from biochemical studies of a few of these RNA helicases, they are generally considered to be involved in the unwinding of duplex RNA molecules. However, recent reports provide evidence indicating that these proteins might also be involved in the active disruption of RNA-protein interactions.