Nuclear and mitochondrial localization of the putative RNA helicase DHX32

RNA helicases are involved in all aspects of RNA metabolism. We identified DHX32 as a novel gene with homology to the DHX family of RNA helicases. To gain insight into the role of DHX32 in RNA metabolism, we determined its subcellular localization. Electron microscopy immunocytochemistry detected DHX32 in the nucleus and mitochondria of the myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60. Confocal microscopy shows mitochondrial localization of DHX32 in HeLa cells. Double labeling showed close proximity of DHX32 to some of the newly synthesized RNA in the mitochondria. These results suggest that DHX32 is a putative RNA helicase that might be involved in regulating nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression.