Dhx37-flox Mouse

Dhx37, encoding a helicase from the DExD/H-box family, is essential for ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes [1,2]. It likely participates in fundamental cellular processes related to ribosome-associated functions, which are crucial for normal cell growth and development.

Variants in Dhx37 have been associated with multiple disorders. In 46,XY individuals, missense variants in Dhx37 are linked to gonadal dysgenesis, testicular regression syndrome (TRS), or anorchia, suggesting its role in male sex development pathway, especially in testis determination and maintenance [1,2,6,8,9]. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), higher Dhx37 expression is correlated with poor prognosis, and it may be a potential target for inhibiting tumor progression, as it activates cell cycle, DNA repair, chemokine signaling pathways, and regulates immune response [3,5,7]. Also, in CD8 T cells, Dhx37 knockout enhanced the efficacy of antigen-specific CD8 T cells against triple-negative breast cancer, indicating it suppresses effector functions, cytokine production, and T cell activation [4].

In conclusion, Dhx37 is vital for ribosome biogenesis. Its variants are associated with disorders of sex development in 46,XY individuals and play roles in cancer progression and immune cell regulation. The study of Dhx37 through gene knockout models in these contexts has enhanced our understanding of its functions and its implications in disease.