Endonuclease, poly(u) specific

Identifiers
EC number	3.1.26.9
CAS number	37211-56-0
Alt. names
IntEnz	IntEnz view
BRENDA	BRENDA entry
ExPASy	NiceZyme view
KEGG	KEGG entry
MetaCyc	metabolic pathway

Endonuclease, poly(U) specific is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bonds within a polynucleotide chain. This enzyme is specific for polyuridine sequences, which are sequences composed entirely of uracil bases.

Function

Endonuclease, poly(U) specific, plays a crucial role in the RNA processing pathways. It is involved in the degradation of RNA molecules by cleaving the poly(U) tail of mRNAs, which is a critical step in the regulation of gene expression.

Mechanism

The enzyme recognizes and binds to the poly(U) sequence in the RNA substrate. It then introduces a cut in the sugar-phosphate backbone of the RNA, resulting in the cleavage of the RNA molecule into smaller fragments. This process is essential for the turnover and recycling of RNA molecules within the cell.

Biological significance

The activity of endonuclease, poly(U) specific, is important for maintaining the proper balance of RNA within the cell. By degrading specific RNA molecules, it helps regulate the levels of mRNA and other RNA species, thereby influencing the translation of proteins. This regulation is vital for cellular responses to environmental changes and for the maintenance of homeostasis.

Clinical relevance

Dysregulation of RNA processing enzymes, including endonuclease, poly(U) specific, can lead to various diseases. Abnormal activity of this enzyme may be implicated in certain genetic disorders and cancers, where the control of gene expression is disrupted.

See also

• Endonuclease
• RNA processing
• Gene expression
• mRNA degradation

External links

• Endonuclease, poly(U) specific on WikiMD

```