Interferon-gamma activates the cleavage of double-stranded RNA by bovine seminal ribonuclease.
Bovine seminal ribonuclease (BS-RNase), a dimeric homologue of RNase A, cleaves both single- and double-stranded RNA and inhibits the growth of tumor cells. Its catalytic activity against double-stranded RNA, either homopolymeric ([3H]polyA/polyU) or mixed sequence, is enhanced by bovine or human recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Activation is seen with as little as 4-10 interferon units per assay. Enhancing the degradation of double-stranded RNA, an intermediate in the growth cycle of many viruses, could contribute to IFN-gamma's ability to control cell growth and induce an antiviral state.
Schein
C H
CH
Laboratory for Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
Haugg
M
M
Benner
S A
SA
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D002417:Cattle; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology*; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000378:metabolism*; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012260:Ribonucleases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012661:Semen / Q000201:enzymology
D000906:Antibodies; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D012260:Ribonucleases; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic