From the magic bullet to the magic target: exploiting the diverse roles of DDX3X in viral infections and tumorigenesis. (28th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riva, Valentina; Maga, Giovanni
• Is Part Of: Future medicinal chemistry. Volume 11:Number 11(2019)
• Page Start: 1357
• Page End: 1381
• Publication Date: 2019-02-28
• Subjects: anticancer chemotherapy -- antiviral therapy -- cancer -- DEAD-box proteins -- DNA viruses -- oncogene -- RNA helicases -- RNA viruses -- tumor suppressor gene; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 615.19005
• DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-8919

Abstract

DDX3X is an ATPase/RNA helicase of the DEAD-box family and one of the most multifaceted helicases known up to date, acting in RNA metabolism, cell cycle control, apoptosis, stress response and innate immunity. Depending on the virus or the viral cycle stage, DDX3X can act either in a proviral fashion or as an antiviral factor. Similarly, in different cancer types, it can act either as an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene. Accumulating evidence indicated that DDX3X can be considered a promising target for anticancer and antiviral chemotherapy, but also that its exploitation requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying its dual role in cancer and viral infections. In this Review, we will summarize the known roles of DDX3X in different tumor types and viral infections, and the different inhibitors available, illustrating the possible advantages and potential caveats of their use as anticancer and antiviral drugs.