MoxXT module of Bacillus anthracis encodes MoxX, a labile protein and MoxT, a ribonuclease. However, mechanism of cleavage of RNA by MoxT has not been explored till date. In the present study, we have demonstrated that MoxT is a sequence specific ribonuclease which recognizes UACAU sequence in ss RNA and cleaves between U and A. Moreover, cleavage of RNA requires 2' OH group of first residue, i.e. U of UACAU RNA sequence. An interesting finding which makes it distinct from the other MazF family toxins was also observed, i.e. its ability to cleave RNA in DNA RNA hybrid. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.