The Current View on the Helicase Activity of RNA Helicase A and Its Role in Gene Expression

Abstract

RNA helicase A (RHA) is a DExH-box helicase that plays regulatory roles in a variety of cellular processes, including transcription, translation, RNA splicing, editing, transport, and processing, microRNA genesis and maintenance of genomic stability. It is involved in virus replication, oncogenesis, and innate immune response. RHA can unwind nucleic acid duplex by nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis. The insight into the molecular mechanism of helicase activity is fundamental to understanding the role of RHA in the cell. Herein, we reviewed the current advances on the helicase activity of RHA and its relevance to gene expression, particularly, to the genesis of circular RNA.

Keywords: ATPase; DExH-box helicase; RNA helicase A; circRNAs; helicase activity; unwinding.