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 (the enzyme ECP) belongs to the pancreatic ribonuclease family, a subgroup of the ribonuclease A superfamily. The protein shows antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The enzyme ECP (ECP = eosinophil cationic protein) has a variety of biological activities. It shows antibacterial activity, including depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane preferably of gram-negative, but also gram-positive strains. Promotes the detachment of the outer membrane of E. coli, the alteration of the entire cell shape and the partial loss of cell content.

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

The genotype prevalence showed both ethnic and gender-specific differences. Close correlations between the ECP434(G>C) and ECP562(G>C) genotypes and smoking habits, lung function and the severity of allergic symptoms have been demonstrated. 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.