DDX6 interacts with DDX3X to repress translation in microRNA-mediated silencing.

ABSTRACT: DDX6 is known to repress messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and promote mRNA decay in microRNA-mediated silencing. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), DDX6 primarily functions at the translation level, independent of mRNA destabilization; however, the precise molecular mechanism of how DDX6 represses translation remains unclear. Here, we identify DDX3X as a key downstream target of DDX6-mediated translational repression in ESCs. Conditional knockout of DDX3X demonstrates its essential role in microRNA (miRNA) silencing. Biochemical analyses reveal that DDX6 directly binds to DDX3X, with the C-terminal region of DDX6 being necessary for this interaction. ESCs lacking DDX6 and rescued with a DDX6 mutant that is defective in DDX3X interaction continue to exhibit miRNA silencing defects. Furthermore

SUBMITTER: Lu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12418388 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature