Possible metal-binding domain in endoribonuclease RNase L inhibitor. Found at the N-terminal end of RNase L inhibitor proteins, adjacent to the 4Fe-4S binding domain, fer4, Pfam:PF00037. Also often found adjacent to the DUF367 domain Pfam:PF04034 in uncharacterised proteins. The RNase L system plays a major role in the anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities of interferons [1], and could possibly play a more general role in the regulation of RNA stability in mammalian cells. Inhibitory activity requires concentration-dependent association of RLI with RNase L [2].

1: cDNA cloning and expression analysis of the murine ribonuclease L inhibitor. Benoit De Coignac A, Bisbal C, Lebleu B, Salehzada T; Gene 1998;209:149-156. PMID:9524254

2: Cloning and characterization of a RNAse L inhibitor. A new component of the interferon-regulated 2-5A pathway. Bisbal C, Martinand C, Silhol M, Lebleu B, Salehzada T; J Biol Chem 1995;270:13308-13317. PMID:7539425