INTRODUCTION: DEFINITION OF THE PROTEIN

(source: http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/images/4oau_bio_r_500.jpg?bioNum=1)

Title:  Complete Human Rnase L In Complex With Biological Activators

Protein Name: 2-5A-Dependent Ribonuclease

Synonym: 2-5A-Dependent Rnase, Ribonuclease 4, Ribonuclease L, Rnase

PDB ID: 40AU

2’-5’A Dependent Ribonuclease or also known as Ribonuclease L or RNase L for latent, is an interferon (IFN)- induced ribonuclease which destroys all RNA ( ) within the cell (both cellular and viral) upon activation. It is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the RNASEL gene. This gene encodes a component of the interferon-regulated 2’-5’ oligoadenylate system that functions in the antiviral and antiproliferative roles of interferons.

     Ribonuclease L is activated by dimerization, which occurs upon 2’-5’A binding and results in cleavage of all RNA in the cell. This can lead to activation of MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5), an RNA helicase involved in the production of interferons.

Ball and Stick Model of 2-5A-Dependent Ribonuclease

2-5A-Dependent Ribonuclease Model showing Helix and Beta Structure

2-5A-Dependent Ribonuclease modelshowing one unit and ligand