FROM HOUSEKEEPER TO MICROSURGEON - THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF RIBONUCLEASES

The RNA population in cells is controlled post-transcriptionally by ri bonucleases (RNases) of varying specificity. Angiogenin, neurotoxins, and plant allergens are among many proteins with RNase activity or sig nificant homology to known RNases. RNase activity in serum and cell ex tracts is elevated in a variety of cancers and infectious diseases. RN ases are regulated by specific activators and inhibitors, including in terferons. Many of these regulatory molecules are useful lead compound s for the design of drugs to control tumor angiogenesis, allergic reac tions, and viral replication. One RNase (Onconase) and several RNase a ctivators are now in clinical trials for cancer treatment or inhibitio n of chronic virus infections. Several others, alone or conjugated wit h specific cell binding molecules, are being developed for their antif ungal, antiviral, and antitumor cell activity.