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. DDX32 is a 743 amino acid nuclear protein that localizes to the mitochondria and is a member of the DEAD box helicase family. Expressed in various tissues, DDX32 is up-regulated by ionomycin in T lymphocytes and down-regulated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Considered a novel RNA helicase, DDX32 may play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer and may be involved in regulating T-cell response to certain apoptotic stimuli.