RNASET2 (F3K4I) Rabbit mAb #31914

Ribonucleases (RNases) are enzymes catalyzing RNA degradation. These proteins process various types of RNA: mRNA, transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and viral RNA (1,2). Depending on base specificity, optimal pH, and structure, RNAses are divided into three families: RNAse A, T1, and T2 (1,2). Ribonuclease T2 (RNASET2) is the first Rh/T2/S family member to be identified in humans (1,2). RNASET2 localizes to endosomal compartments to degrade RNA (1,3). Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-sensing receptors, such as Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)-sensing receptors like TLR7, are also localized in the endosomal compartments in macrophages, underscoring the role for RNASET2 in innate immune response (3). Recent work has shown a direct role for RNASET2 in processing foreign viral and bacterial RNAs for TLR8 in innate immune response (4,5). In several human cancers (ovarian cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma), decreased expression of RNASET2 dramatically increased the malignant phenotype of tumors and correlated with a poor clinical outcome (6-8). In addition, recent experiments using recombinant human RNASET2 show that increased protein levels possess anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic properties (5,7,8). This recent evidence supports a close association of RNASET2 expression with cancer progression in addition to its role in innate immunity.