The multifunctional RNase XRN2

Abstract

Different classes of RNA function in various cellular processes, and their biogenesis and turnover involve diverse RNases for processing and degradation. XRN2 is a 5′→3′ exoribonuclease that is evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes. It is predominantly localized in the nucleus and recognizes single-stranded RNA with a 5′-terminal monophosphate to degrade it processively to mononucleotides. In the present paper, we review functions of XRN2 and its cofactors in maturation, surveillance and activity control of several classes of RNA such as pre-mRNA (precursor mRNA), rRNA and snoRNA (small nucleolar RNA).