The long unwinding road of RNA helicases

Mol Cell. 2007 Aug 3;27(3):339-52. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2007.07.014.

Abstract

RNA helicases comprise a large family of enzymes that are thought to utilize the energy of NTP binding and hydrolysis to remodel RNA or RNA-protein complexes, resulting in RNA duplex strand separation, displacement of proteins from RNA molecules, or both. These functions of RNA helicases are required for all aspects of cellular RNA metabolism, from bacteria to humans. We provide a brief overview of the functions of RNA helicases and highlight some of the recent key advances that have contributed to our current understanding of their biological function and mechanism of action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • RNA Helicases / physiology*
  • RNA Splicing
  • Ribosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA Helicases