LAUSR

DExH/D RNA helicase 15 (DHX15) is ATP-dependent RNA helicase which is known for its role in RNA metabolism. Recent studies reported dhx15 involves in the intestinal immunity. However, the role of dhx15 (or DExH/D RNA helicase) is poorly understood. Here, we revealed an unidentified role for dhx15 in regulating zebrafish intestinal development. We found the profound intestinal defects in dhx15 knockout zebrafish. Decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of the intestine cells were observed when dhx15 were deleted. Further RNA genome wide analysis and qRT-PCR analysis showed the Wnt signaling pathway is down-regulated in the dhx15 knockout zebrafish. Thus, we concluded that dhx15 regulates zebrafish intestinal development through the Wnt signaling pathway. Here, we provided new insights into the role of dhx15 in intestinal development beyond its well-characterized role in intestinal immunity.