RNA helicases and remodeling proteins

It is becoming increasingly clear that RNA molecules play a major role in all aspects of metabolism. The conformational state and stability of RNA are controlled by RNA remodeling proteins, which are ubiquitous motor proteins in the cell. Here, we review advances in our understanding of the structure and function of three major structural families of RNA remodeling proteins, the hexameric ring proteins, the processive monomeric RNA translocase/helicases, and the functionally diverse DEAD-box remodeling proteins. New studies have revealed molecular mechanisms for coupling between ATP hydrolysis and unwinding, the physical basis for regulatory control by cofactors, and novel functions for RNA remodeling proteins.

► RNA molecules play a major role in all aspects of metabolism and their conformational state is controlled by RNA remodeling motor proteins.
► RNA remodeling proteins can be described in three major structural categories: the hexameric ring proteins, the processive monomeric RNA translocase/helicases, and the functionally diverse DEAD-box remodeling proteins.
► Biophysical studies have revealed new molecular mechanisms and functions for RNA remodeling proteins.