Novel Biological Actions Acquired by Ribonuclease A Through Oligomerization

Authors: Libonati, M.; Gotte, G.; Vottariello, F.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 9, Number 3, June 2008 , pp. 200-209(10)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

After a short introduction with some examples of cytotoxic ribonucleases, the importance of natural or artificial dimerization (oligomerization) as a way for a ribonuclease to acquire novel functional properties has been pointed out. In particular, the role of the three dimensional domain swapping mechanism in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A oligomerization, as well as its impact for the acquisition of novel biological functions (among which a remarkable antitumor action) by the enzyme protein in oligomeric form have been discussed. Finally, the structural and functional features that could explain why oligomeric ribonuclease A becomes able to display a cytotoxic activity, and the possible use and limits of the three dimensional domain-swapped oligomers of ribonuclease A as anticancer therapeutic agents have been described and discussed.

Keywords: RNase A; RNase A dimers; RNase A oligomers; Cytotoxicity; RNase cytotoxicity; Cytotoxicity of oligomeric RNase A; Antitumor therapy; 3D domain swapping

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Each issue of the journal contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics in both pre-clinical and clinical areas of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is an essential journal for academic, clinical, government and pharmaceutical scientists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.