The protein encoded by this gene, known as RNase5 or angiogenin, is a member of the RNase A superfamily, though it has weak ribonucleolytic activity. It is a potent mediator of angiogenesis, binding to actin on endothelial cell surfaces to promote blood vessel formation. This protein also accumulates in the nucleolus to stimulate ribosomal transcription and, under stress, translocates to the cytosol to hydrolyze tRNAs, affecting protein synthesis. The mature protein, after cleavage of a signal peptide, contains a nuclear localization signal, a cell-binding motif, and a catalytic domain. It is neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, such as S. pneumoniae and C. albicans. This gene plays roles in cell growth and tumor progression, with mutations linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein.