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The role of mammalian ribonucleases (RNases) in cancer

Wan-Cheol Kim1, Chow H Lee

  • 1Chemistry Program, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, Canada V2N 4Z9.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|May 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian ribonucleases (RNases) are enzymes that cleave RNA, impacting cancer development. This review explores their roles as oncoproteins or tumor suppressors in human cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Ribonucleases (RNases) are enzymes catalyzing RNA cleavage, with diverse biological roles.
  • Mammalian RNases, particularly those acting on messenger RNA (mRNA), are implicated in human cancer development.
  • RNases exhibit varied functions, including roles in mRNA decay, stress response, and microRNA (miRNA) pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of mammalian RNases in human cancer.
  • To present evidence linking RNases to tumor development as oncoproteins or tumor suppressors.
  • To discuss the influence of RNases on cancer hallmarks like cell growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of mammalian RNases and their association with cancer.
  • Analysis of RNase involvement in conventional mRNA decay pathways.
  • Examination of stress-activated RNases, miRNA pathway RNases, and multifunctional RNases.

Main Results:

  • Mammalian RNases are regulators of tumor development, acting as oncoproteins or tumor suppressors.
  • These enzymes influence critical cancer hallmarks, including cell proliferation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).
  • RNases from various pathways, including mRNA decay and miRNA processing, are involved in oncogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Mammalian RNases play significant roles in human cancer, acting as critical regulators of tumor initiation and progression.
  • Understanding the dual role of RNases as oncoproteins and tumor suppressors is crucial for cancer research.
  • Further investigation into the diverse functions of RNases in cellular processes offers potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

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