RNASE3 gene

The RNASE3 gene (RNASE3 stands for: Ribonuclease A Family Member 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14q11.2.

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the pancreatic ribonuclease family, a subgroup of the ribonuclease A superfamily. The protein exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria

The enzyme ECP has a variety of biological activities. It exhibits antibacterial activity, including depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane preferentially of Gram-negative but also Gram-positive strains. Promotes detachment of the outer membrane of E. coli, alteration of the overall cell shape, and partial loss of cell contents.

Diseases associated with RNASE3 include allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and bronchial asthma. An important paralog of this gene is RNASE2.

Genotype prevalence showed both ethnic and gender differences. Evidence suggests close associations between ECP434(G>C) and ECP562(G>C) genotypes and smoking habits, lung function, and expression of allergic symptoms. Non-allergic asthma was associated with an increased prevalence of the ECP434GG genotype (Jönsson UB et al. 2010).

1. Jönsson UB et nal. (2010) Associations of ECP (eosinophil cationic protein)-gene polymorphisms to allergy, asthma, smoking habits and lung function in two Estonian and Swedish sub-cohorts of the ECRHS II study. BMC Pulm Med 10:36.
2. Renz H et al (2003) In vitro allergy diagnostics. Allergology 26: 237-254
3. Renz H et al (2009) In vitro allergy diagnostics. Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI) Allergo J 19: 110-128.