mouse monoclonal IgG1; Characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp, DEAD box proteins are putative RNA helicases implicated in several cellular processes involving modifications of RNA secondary structure. Specifically, DEAD box proteins are involved in translation initiation, nuclear and mitochondrial splicing, and ribosome and spliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution patterns, members of this family may be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. DDX17 (DEAD box protein 17), also designated p72, is highly homologous to DDX5 (p68). DDX17 and DDX5 have been implicated in growth regulation by acting as transcriptional co-regulators for several transcription factors, including ERα, p53, MyoD and Runx2. Impairment of DDX17 may affect early brain development and can lead to Down Syndrome. Alternatively, up-regulation of DDX17 and DDX5 directly contributes to colon cancer, suggesting that DDX17 may be a useful therapeutic target to combat colon cancer.