The DDX4 protein, also known as Vasa or DEAD-box polypeptide 4, is a highly conserved germline factor among multicellular organisms. It is a member of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family and is involved in various cellular processes, including mRNA translation, germ cell development, and the regulation of gene expression. DDX4 is typically expressed in germ cells and is often used as a marker for these cells. It plays a role in the development of germ cells in a variety of species, including marsupials and monotremes, suggesting its essential function in the regulation of germ cell proliferation and differentiation. In the context of cancer, DDX4 has been found to be re-expressed in somatic cells, including cancer cells. Its expression has been linked to chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. DDX4's involvement in mRNA translation and its enrichment on the mitotic apparatus suggest that it may contribute to the neoplastic characteristics of cancer cells, such as increased cell survival and drug resistance. Furthermore, DDX4 has been implicated in the formation of RNA-protein germ granules, which are important for germline development. Its functions in piRNA biogenesis and embryonic patterning are dependent on specific C-terminal residues that are unique to Vasa among DEAD-box helicases.
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