Book excerpt: Pancreatic ribonuclease, the focus of highly productive scientific research for more than half a century and the only enzyme to be the basis of four Nobel prizes, has recently undergone a resurgence in popularity for the recognition of an extended ribonuclease superfamily with functions ranging from tumour growth and inhibition to self-recognition and neurotoxicity. This volume highlights the functional diversity of ribonucleases and reveals the emerging research opportunities provided by these enzymes.* Never before has discussion of the entire family of ribonucleases and related enzymes been covered in a single volume* Core chapters focus on the latest structures and functions of pancreatic-type ribonucleases* Structures and functions of intracellular ribonucleases and nondigestive members of the family are also covered* How ribonucleases continue to serve as excellent systems with which to uncover the secrets of protein chemistry is demonstrated