title: Human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase(old-35)): an evolutionary conserved gene with an expanding repertoire of RNA degradation functions.
abstract: Human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase(old-35)) is an evolutionary conserved RNA-processing enzyme with expanding roles in regulating cellular physiology. hPNPase(old-35) was cloned using an innovative 'overlapping pathway screening' strategy designed to identify genes coordinately regulated during the processes of cellular differentiation and senescence. Although hPNPase(old-35) structurally and biochemically resembles PNPase of other species, overexpression and inhibition studies reveal that hPNPase(old-35) has evolved to serve more specialized and diversified functions in humans. Targeting specific mRNA or non-coding small microRNA, hPNPase(old-35) modulates gene expression that in turn has a pivotal role in regulating normal physiological and pathological processes. In these contexts, targeted overexpression of hPNPase(old-35) represents a novel strategy to selectively downregulate RNA expression and consequently intervene in a variety of pathophysiological conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0033, USA.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Bhutia
authors.forename: U K
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Sokhi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dash
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Azab
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D017124:Conserved Sequence; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D011117:Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012313:RNA; D011117:Polyribonucleotide Nucleotidyltransferase