Angiogenin mRNA (ANG mRNA)

Angiogenin (ANG) mRNA encodes a 14.1 kDa secreted ribonuclease that is a potent inducer of neovascularization. The protein product, Angiogenin, is unique among the ribonuclease A superfamily for its ability to translocate to the nucleus and stimulate the transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which is essential for cell growth and survival. In oncology, ANG mRNA is frequently overexpressed, promoting tumor angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis, making it a candidate for therapeutic downregulation via RNA-based modalities like siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides. Conversely, loss-of-function mutations in the ANG gene are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), where the loss of its neuroprotective and pro-survival signaling contributes to motor neuron death. Thus, while inhibiting ANG mRNA is a strategy for cancer, maintaining or restoring its function is critical in the context of neurodegeneration.

Other names

Ribonuclease 5 mRNARNase 5 mRNAALS9 mRNAHEL168 mRNA

Antisense inhibition or RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the ANG transcript to induce its degradation or block translation, thereby reducing the levels of the pro-angiogenic protein angiogenin.