RNASEL (ribonuclease L), an endonuclease, is involved in the molecular mechanism of interferon (IFN) and RNA degradation pathway. It is activated by interferon-regulated 2-5A system. It inhibits the protein synthesis by cleaving mRNA on the 3μ end. This regulatory protein is controlled by RNase L inhibitor (RLI) which inhibits 2-5A binding to RNase L, thereby switching off the 2-5A/RNase L system. It may have an antiproliferative effect on IFNα. It helps to induce the down-regulation of mitochondrial mRNAs which degrades cellular ATP levels and suppresses mitochondrial function. Mutation in the RNASEL is linked to the hereditary prostate cancer 1 (HPC1).
