They are implicated in a number of cellular processes involving alteration of RNA secondary structure such as translation initiation, nuclear and mitochondrial splicing, and ribosome and spliceosome assembly.

Based on their distribution patterns, some members of this family are believed to be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division.

This gene encodes a DEAD box protein, which has an ATPase activity and is a component of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) complex.

Similarly,[8] DDX20 may promote the progression of Prostate cancer (PCa) through the NF-κB pathway.

[9] In a clinical based study it has been observed that positive DP103/NF-κB feedback loop promotes constitutive NF-κB activation in invasive breast cancers and activation of this pathway is linked to cancer progression and the acquisition of chemotherapy resistance.