RNASE3
Description
The RNASE3 (ribonuclease A family member 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), also known as Ribonuclease 3, is a basic protein located in the eosinophil primary matrix. In humans, ECP is encoded by the RNASE3 gene. ECP is released during degranulation of eosinophils. This protein is related to inflammation and asthma because in these cases, there are increased levels of ECP in the body. There are three glycosylated forms of ECP and consequently ECP has a range of molecular weights from 18-22 kDa. ECP and the sequence related eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (RNASE2) are both members of the Ribonuclease A superfamily. Both proteins possess neurotoxic, helmintho-toxic, and ribonucleo-lytic activities. ECP is localized to the granule matrix of the eosinophil. The ribonuclease activity of ECP is not essential for cytotoxicity. When the two known ribonuclease active-site residues are modified to non-functional counterparts (Lysine at position 38 to Arginine and Histidine at position 128 to Aspartate) and compared to the wild-type ECP, the mutated ECP retains its cytotoxicity but no longer has its ribonuclease activity.
RNASE3 is also known as ECP, RAF1, RNS3.
