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ISSN 0582-9879 Acta Biochim et Biophysica Sinica 2004, 36(3):177-183 CN 31-1300/Q
Multiple
Functions of Nuclear DNA Helicase II (RNA Helicase A)
in Nucleic Acid Metabolism
Suisheng ZHANG and
Frank GROSSE1*
( Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Beutenbergstrasse
11, D-07745 Jena, Germany;
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, POB 100 813,
D-07708 Jena, Germany )
Abstract Nuclear DNA helicase
II (NDH II), or RNA helicase A (RHA), was initially discovered in mammals by
conventional protein purification methods. Molecular cloning identified apparent
sequence homologies between NDH II and a Drosophila protein named maleless
(MLE), the latter being essential for the Drosophila X-chromosome dosage
compensation. Increasing amounts of evidence suggest that NDH II is involved
in multiple aspects of cellular and viral DNA and RNA metabolism. Moreover the
functions of NDH II may have potential clinical implications related to viral
infection, autoimmune diseases, or even tumorigenesis.
Key words DNA and RNA helicase;
maleless (MLE); X-chromosome dosage compensation; dsRBD; RGG-box; transcription;
RNA processing; RNA transport; actin; nucleolus; SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus);
virus
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Received: December 1, 2003 Accepted:
January 9, 2004
*Corresponding author: Tel, +49-3641-656290; Fax, +49-3641- 656288; E-mail,
[email protected]