RNase L encodes a component of the interferon-regulated 2-5A system that functions in the antiviral and antiproliferative roles of interferons. Mutations in this gene have been associated with predisposition to prostate cancer and this gene is a candidate for the hereditary prostate cancer 1 (HPC1) allele. Interferon treatment enhances levels of both RNase L and a group of synthetases that produce 5-prime-triphosphorylated, 2-prime,5-prime-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP. The role of the 2-5A system in the control of viral and cellular growth suggests that defects in the 2-5A-dependent RNase gene could result in reduced immunity to viral infections and cancer.
