DDX52 (DExD-box helicase 52) is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase essential for ribosome biogenesis and nucleolar function 1. The protein functions as both a nucleic acid helicase with 3'-5' polarity capable of unwinding DNA duplexes and DNA/RNA hybrids, and as a strand annealase requiring an N-terminal intrinsically disordered region 1. DDX52 may regulate cell cycle progression by controlling translation of TOP motif-containing mRNAs. In disease contexts, DDX52 demonstrates significant clinical relevance: elevated expression in lung adenocarcinoma correlates with advanced tumor stages and serves as an independent negative prognostic determinant 2. Similarly, DDX52 overexpression in melanoma tissues associates with shorter overall survival; knockdown suppresses cell proliferation and tumor growth by targeting c-Myc expression 3. During HIV-1 infection, miR-197-3p upregulates viral infectivity by suppressing DDX52, which normally negatively regulates the HIV-1 Vif protein 4. Additionally, DDX52 variants associate with bone mineral density in Chinese populations, with sex-specific effects 5. Loss of DDX52 impairs cell migration 1, suggesting roles in metastatic processes. DDX52 deletions in 17q12 microdeletion syndrome may contribute to renal abnormalities 6, though specific mechanisms remain unclear.