ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX42 (DDX42)

Binds to partly double- stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in order to unwind RNA secondary structures. Unwinding is encouraged in the presence of single-strand binding proteins.

Mediates also RNA duplex formation thereby displacing the single-strand RNA binding protein. ATP and ADP modulate its activity: ATP binding and hydrolysis by DDX42 activates RNA strand separation, whereas the ADP-bound form of the protein activates annealing of complementary RNA strands.