Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) : a promising candidate for industrial biotechnology

The ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) from plants possess RNA N- glycosidase activity that depurinates the major rRNA, thus damaging ribosomes in an irreversible manner and arresting protein synthesis. RIPs are presently classified as rRNA N-glycosidase in the enzyme nomenclature (EC 3.2.2.22) and do exhibit other enzymatic activities such as ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease activities. RIPs have been shown to manifest anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-microbial activities. RIPs are detected in some medicinal plants but the yields are insufficient to warrant their availability to conduct clinical trials thus limiting its therapeutic potential. Here, an approach based on "bioprocess development" shall be discussed that may enhance the yield of RIPs. It is anticipated; with the involvement of “Industrial biotechnology” the eventual availability of RIPs in large quantities shall be accomplished.