Ribonuclease kappa (RNASEK)

Ribonuclease kappa (RNASEK) is a highly conserved, small, transmembrane endoribonuclease that is widely expressed across eukaryotes. RNASEK preferentially cleaves ApU and ApG RNA bonds and operates as part of the V-ATPase complex, specifically in the V0 sector, but is not directly involved in proton pumping. It regulates endosomal acidification and membrane trafficking, promotes receptor-mediated viral endocytosis, and is required for the final steps of autophagosome degradation by mediating proper lysosomal hydrolase trafficking. RNASEK is essential for the internalization of several pathogenic viruses, for type I interferon induction, and for the apoptotic response, linking it to roles in viral infection, immunity, cancer progression, and autophagy-related diseases. Disrupting RNASEK function has been shown to inhibit viral entry, modulate apoptosis, and impair autophagic degradation, highlighting its emerging importance as a therapeutic target[1][2][3].

Other names

RNase kappaRNase KRNKV-ATPase subunit fV-type proton ATPase subunit fribonucleaseMGC71993

Drugs or genetic perturbation may alter RNASEK function to inhibit viral entry by disrupting endocytosis and endosome acidification. Modulation of RNASEK expression may affect cell apoptosis pathways in cancer. Targeting RNASEK may interfere with autophagic degradation