DEAD-box proteins, characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp, are putative RNA helicases implicated in several cellular processes involving modifications of RNA secondary structure and ribosome/spliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution patterns, some members of this family may be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. DDX59 is a 619 amino acid member of the DEAD box helicase protein family. Like many DEAD box helicase family members, DDX59 contains a Q motif, which controls ATP binding and hydrolysis. Expressed as two isoforms produced by alternative splicing, DDX59 contains one helicase C-terminal domain and one HIT-type zinc finger.