Emerging biological functions of ribonuclease 1 and angiogenin

Pancreatic-type ribonucleases (ptRNases) are a large family of vertebrate-specific secretory endoribonucleases. These enzymes catalyze the degradation of many RNA substrates and thereby mediate a variety of biological functions. Though the homology of ptRNases has informed biochemical characterization and evolutionary analyses, the understanding of their biological roles is incomplete. Here, we review the functions of two ptRNases: RNase 1 and angiogenin. RNase 1, which is an abundant ptRNase with high catalytic activity, has newly discovered roles in inflammation and blood coagulation. Angiogenin, which promotes neovascularization, is now known to play roles in the progression of cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as in the cellular stress response. Ongoing work is illuminating the biology of these and other ptRNases.

Automated summary

Pancreatic-type ribonucleases (ptRNases) are a family of vertebrate-specific secretory endoribonucleases that catalyze the degradation of RNA substrates and mediate biological functions. Two ptRNases, RNase 1 and angiogenin, are known to be involved in inflammation, blood coagulation, neovascularization, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and cellular stress response. Further research is ongoing to elucidate the biology of these and other ptRNases.