title: RNase L: its biological roles and regulation.
abstract: 2'-5'oligoadenylate-dependent ribonuclease L (RNase L) is one of the key enzymes involved in the function of interferons (IFNs), a family of cytokines participating in innate immunity against viruses and other microbial pathogens. Upon binding with its activator, 5'-phosphorylated, 2'-5' linked oligoadenylates (2-5A), RNase L degrades single-stranded viral and cellular RNAs and thus plays an important role in the antiviral and antiproliferative functions of IFNs. In recent years, evidence has revealed that RNase L displays a broad range of biological roles which are summarized in this review.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Shu-Ling
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Quirk
authors.forename: Aimin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D007372:Interferons; D004722:Endoribonucleases; C031956:2-5A-dependent ribonuclease