Ribonuclease A family member 8 (RNASE8)

Ribonuclease A family member 8 (RNASE8) is an enzyme belonging to the ribonuclease A superfamily, specifically the pancreatic ribonuclease family. It was first identified as being uniquely expressed in the placenta, but later evidence suggests additional expression in lung, liver, and testes[1][4]. RNASE8 shows unusually low ribonucleolytic activity, and currently available data do not demonstrate classic antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antiviral activity typical of some other RNase A family members[1][4]. The gene exhibits an accelerated rate of evolution and has accumulated unique sequence features, such as distinctive disulfide bonding and an extended N-terminus, which could reflect specialized or diverged physiological roles compared to other family members[1][4]. Its closest homolog is RNASE7, and both genes appear to have arisen from a recent duplication event in primate evolution[1]. There is no evidence that RNASE8 is a therapeutic target in current clinical or pharmacological contexts[1][4][7].

Other names

Ribonuclease 8RNase 8RAE2ribonuclease 8placental ribonucleaseRNase A family, 8