title: Human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase old-35): an RNA degradation enzyme with pleiotrophic biological effects.
abstract: Identification of small inhibitory RNAs and microRNA established that regulation of RNA metabolism plays an essential role in controlling intracellular biochemical processes. Interferons induce a number of RNA degradation enzymes involved in innate immunity by degrading viral RNAs. We cloned human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase(old-35)), a type I interferon-inducible 3'-5' exoribonuclease, as a transcript induced during terminal differentiation and senescence, two physiological processes marked by irreversible growth arrest. Our studies in the last four years show that hPNPase(old-35) plays an essential role in mediating IFN-mediated growth inhibition and its upregulation might mediate chronic inflammatory pathological processes during aging. The present review recaps these findings and provides a framework for the future understanding of the versatile functions of this interesting molecule.
authors: Department of Pathology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Caner Center, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
authors: Devanand
authors: D
authors: Sarkar
authors: Paul B
authors: PB
authors: Fisher