Angiogenin (ANG or ANG I) is important for the process of neovascularization and formation of new blood vessels. ANG is similar to pancreatic ribonuclease A and functions as a tRNA-specific ribonuclease that abolishes protein synthesis by specifically hydrolyzing cellular tRNAs. It interacts with endothelial cell-surface actin and may cause changes in the cell cytoskeleton. ANG is thought to be involved in the development of solid tumors and its antagonists are capable of inhibiting tumor growth. Defects in ANG are the cause of susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 9 (ALS9). Angiogenin is a genetic link between ALS and PD.Synonyms: ANG, RNASE5, Ribonuclease 5