ANGEL2 is a member of the CCR4 family of deadenylases with 2′,3′-cyclic phosphatase activity

Dephosphorylating RNA molecules Transfer RNA (tRNA) and messenger RNA molecules often acquire a terminal 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate group when processed in the cell. These cyclic phosphates provide attachment points for tRNA ligases and must be removed to recycle tRNAs from stalled ribosomes. Pinto et al. identified an enzyme from human tissue culture cells that can do the job. Biochemical characterization and analysis of a crystal structure reveal ANGEL2 as a 2′,3′-cyclic phosphatase with functions for RNA processing and modification. Science , this issue p. 524