The DDX23 antibody is a crucial tool for studying the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX23. also known as PRP28. DDX23 belongs to the DEAD-box protein family, characterized by the conserved Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) motif, and plays a pivotal role in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, ribosome biogenesis, and viral RNA processing. It functions as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, facilitating structural rearrangements during spliceosome assembly by unwinding RNA duplexes. DDX23 is essential for the catalytic activation of the spliceosome, particularly during the transition from the U1/U2 snRNP-containing complex to the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP.
Research links DDX23 to various diseases. It is implicated in cancer progression, with studies showing overexpression in certain malignancies, correlating with poor prognosis. Additionally, DDX23 interacts with viral proteins, such as those from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), suggesting a role in viral replication and host immune evasion.
The DDX23 antibody enables detection and quantification of DDX23 in cellular and tissue samples via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. It is widely used to investigate DDX23's functional mechanisms, subcellular localization, and interactions with RNA or partner proteins. Validated antibodies are critical for ensuring specificity, given the structural similarities among DEAD-box proteins. Recent studies also utilize DDX23 antibodies to explore its potential as a therapeutic target in oncology and virology.