After a short introduction with some examples of cytotoxic ribonucleases, the importance of natural or artificial dimerization (oligomerization) as a way for a ribonuclease to acquire novel functional properties has been pointed out. In particular, the role of the three dimensional domain swapping mechanism in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A oligomerization, as well as its impact for the acquisition of novel biological functions (among which a remarkable antitumor action) by the enzyme protein in oligomeric form have been discussed. Finally, the structural and functional features that could explain why oligomeric ribonuclease. A becomes able to display a cytotoxic activity, and the possible use and limits of the three dimensional domain-swapped oligomers of ribonuclease A as anticancer therapeutic agents have been described and discussed. © 2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
A novel biological actions acquired by ribonuclease through oligomerization
LIBONATI, Massimo;GOTTE, Giovanni;VOTTARIELLO, FRANCESCA
2008-01-01
Abstract
After a short introduction with some examples of cytotoxic ribonucleases, the importance of natural or artificial dimerization (oligomerization) as a way for a ribonuclease to acquire novel functional properties has been pointed out. In particular, the role of the three dimensional domain swapping mechanism in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A oligomerization, as well as its impact for the acquisition of novel biological functions (among which a remarkable antitumor action) by the enzyme protein in oligomeric form have been discussed. Finally, the structural and functional features that could explain why oligomeric ribonuclease. A becomes able to display a cytotoxic activity, and the possible use and limits of the three dimensional domain-swapped oligomers of ribonuclease A as anticancer therapeutic agents have been described and discussed. © 2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
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