| 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. This gene encodes a DEAD box protein, which has an ATPase activity and is a component of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex. This protein interacts directly with SMN, the spinal muscular atrophy gene product, and may play a catalytic role in the function of the SMN complex on RNPs. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],function:The SMN complex plays an essential role in spliceosomal snRNP assembly in the cytoplasm and is required for pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus. It may also play a role in the metabolism of snoRNPs.,similarity:Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family.,similarity:Belongs to the DEAD box helicase family. DDX20 subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 helicase ATP-binding domain.,similarity:Contains 1 helicase C-terminal domain.,subcellular location:Localized in subnuclear structures next to coiled bodies, called Gemini of Cajal bodies (Gems).,subunit:Part of the core SMN complex that contains SMN1, SIP1/GEMIN2, DDX20/GEMIN3, GEMIN4, GEMIN5, GEMIN6, GEMIN7, GEMIN8 and STRAP/UNRIP. Interacts directly with SMN1 and with several spliceosomal snRNP core Sm proteins, including SNUPN, SNRPB, SNRPD2 and SNRPD3. Interacts with PPP4R2. Interacts with EBV EBNA2 and EBNA3C.,tissue specificity:Ubiquitous., |
