DHX38

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 this family are believed to be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the DEAD/H box family of splicing factors. This protein resembles yeast Prp16 more closely than other DEAD/H family members. It is an ATPase and essential for the catalytic step II in pre-mRNA splicing process. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

DEAH (Asp-Glu-Ala-His) box polypeptide 38

Function

Probable ATP-binding RNA helicase (Probable). Involved in pre-mRNA splicing as component of the spliceosome (PubMed:29301961, PubMed:9524131).

Biological Process

mRNA splicing, via spliceosome Source: UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Nucleus

Involvement in disease

Retinitis pigmentosa 84 (RP84):
A form of retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well. RP84 is an autosomal recessive, early onset form characterized by night blindness by age 4 and complete blindness by age 8. Funduscopy shows severely attenuated retinal vessels, severe macular atrophy, and prominent and deep macular colobomas lacking neuroretinal tissue.