DHX32 Expression Suggests a Role in Lymphocyte Differentiation

Abstract

RNA helicases constitute a large group of enzymes involved in all aspects of RNA metabolism. Several RNA helicases are dysregulated in cancer, whereas several others are involved in differentiation. DHX32 has previously been identified as a novel RNA helicase with a unique structure and expression pattern. DHX32 message was down-regulated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines and patient samples. In this report, anti-DHX32 was used to study its expression in thymus. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed positive correlation of DHX32 expression with thymocyte maturation. These results suggest that DHX32 might play a role in normal lymphocyte differentiation.