HELQ as a DNA helicase: Its novel role in normal cell function and tumorigenesis (Review)

Abstract Helicase POLQ-like (HELQ or Hel308), is a highly conserved, 3′-5′ superfamily II DNA helicase that contributes to diverse DNA processes, including DNA repair, unwinding, and strand annealing. HELQ deficiency leads to subfertility, due to its critical role in germ cell stability. In addition, the abnormal expression of HELQ has been observed in multiple tumors and a number of molecular pathways, including the nucleotide excision repair, checkpoint kinase 1-DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1 and ATM/ATR pathways, have been shown