RNA exonuclease 2 (REXO2)

RNA exonuclease 2 (REXO2) is an evolutionarily conserved exoribonuclease enzyme, primarily localized in mitochondria, that catalyzes the 3′-to-5′ degradation of short RNA oligonucleotides (nanoRNAs) to mononucleotides. REXO2 belongs to the DEDDh-family of nucleases and forms a homodimer, utilizing a two-magnesium-ion-dependent hydrolysis mechanism. It serves a key role in mitochondrial RNA metabolism by "scavenging" short RNAs produced from processing and decay—helping prevent double-stranded RNA accumulation and maintaining mitochondrial transcriptome integrity. Additionally, REXO2 has activity toward short DNA oligonucleotides and may participate in DNA metabolism. No known drugs directly target REXO2; its major biological importance is in RNA turnover, salvage, and mitochondrial function. Knockdown or depletion of REXO2 leads to RNA and DNA metabolic defects, highlighting its essential cellular function.

Other names

Oligoribonuclease, mitochondrialREXO2SFNSMFNCGI-114DKFZP566E144RNA exonuclease 2 homologSmall fragment nucleaseREX2RFNRNase D homologOrn homolog