Work

Human Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (hPNPaseold-35): An RNA Degradation Enzyme with Pleiotrophic Biological Effects

Year: 2006

Type: review

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.

Source: Cell Cycle

DOI: 10.4161/cc.5.10.2741

Authors: Devanand Sarkar, Paul B. Fisher

Institutions: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: interferon and immune responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation