Background
DEAD box proteins, characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD), are
putative RNA helicases. They are implicated in a number of cellular processes involving
alteration of RNA secondary structure, such as translation initiation, nuclear and
mitochondrial splicing, and ribosome and spliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution
patterns, some members of the DEAD box protein family are believed to be involved in
embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. This gene encodes a
member of this family. The encoded protein is a gonadotropin-regulated and
developmentally expressed testicular RNA helicase. It may serve to maintain testicular
functions related to steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis.
