Oligoadenylate Synthetase Activity Research Articles

Label-free quantitative proteomics reveals the mechanisms of Aurora kinase B in renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer which is a global threat to human health, needing to explore effective therapeutic targets and treatment methods. Aurora kinase B acts as an important carcinogenic role in various kinds of tumors, while its mechanism in renal cell carcinoma is indistinct. Herein we explore the underlying mechanism of Aurora kinase B in renal cell carcinoma. Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis was employed to analyze the differentially expressed proteins in 786-O cells which were treated with si-Aurora kinase B or si-ctrl. In the current study, 169 differentially expressed proteins were identified. The top 10 upregulated proteins were MX2, IFI44L, ISG20, DDX58, F3, IFI44, ECE1, PRIC285, NIT1, and IFIT2. The top 10 downregulated proteins were FKBP9, FSTL1, DDAH1, TGFB2, HMGN3, COIL, FAM65A, PTPN14, ARFGAP2, and EIF2C2. GO enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins participated in biological processes, including defense response to virus, response to virus, and type I interferon signaling pathway. These differentially expressed proteins participated in cellular components, including focal adhesion, cell-substrate adherens junction, cell-substrate junction, and endoplasmic reticulum lumen. These differentially expressed proteins participated in molecule functions, including guanyl nucleotide binding, nucleotidase activity, double-stranded RNA binding, 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, and virus receptor activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the significantly changed proteins including OAS3, OAS2, JAK1, TAP1, and RAC1 were involved in Epstein-Barr virus infection. Taken together, our results demonstrate the possible mechanisms that Aurora kinase B may participate in renal cell carcinoma. These findings may provide insights into tumorigenesis and a theoretical basis for developing potential therapies of renal cell carcinoma.

PDE12 in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence is increased after COVID-19 infection in children under 18 years of age. Interferon-α-activated oligoadenylate synthetase and downstream RNAseL activation degrade pathogen RNA, but can also damage host RNA when RNAseL activity is poorly regulated. One such regulator is PDE12 which degrades 2′-5′ oligoadenylate units, thereby decreasing RNAseL activity. We analyzed PDE12 expression in islets from non-diabetic donors, individuals with newly (median disease duration 35 days) and recently (5 years) diagnosed T1D, and individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We also analyzed PDE12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) relative to T1D incidence. PDE12 expression was decreased in individuals with recently diagnosed T1D, in three of five individuals with newly diagnosed T1D, but not in individuals with T2D. Two rare PDE12 SNPs were found to have odds ratios of 1.80 and 1.74 for T1D development. We discuss whether decreased PDE12 expression after COVID-19 infection might be part of the up to 2.5-fold increase in T1D incidence.

Mechanistic studies and application of a type-IIIA CRISPR-Cas system

Type III-A CRISPR-Cas complex, Csm, plays a pivotal role in the small RNA-mediated immunity in bacteria. In the presence of a cognate target RNA (CTR) representing a viral RNA, Csm cleaves CTR, and in addition, elicits single-stranded deoxyribonuclease (ssDNase) and cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) synthetase activities. In contrast, in the presence of a non-cognate target RNA (NTR) that represents self-RNA, the two collateral activities are inhibited. To explain how RNA stimulate Csm activity, we reconstituted Csm from Lactococcus lactis, LlCsm, and characterized its structure and function.

A comprehensive gene expression profile analysis of prostate cancer cells resistant to paclitaxel and the potent target to reverse resistance.

Background: Paclitaxel resistance is the major clinical obstacle in the chemotherapy of prostate cancer (PCa), but the resistant mechanism is less investigated.Purpose: To establish two paclitaxel-resistant PCa cells, provide a comprehensive gene expression profile analysis of resistant cells and the potential target to reverse resistance.Methods: Two Paclitaxel-resistant PCa cells (PC3/PR, LNcap/PR) were established by gradually increasing drug concentration. MTT and transwell assays were performed to detect drug sensitivity, cell proliferation and migration abilities. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify abnormally expressed genes (AEGs) in resistant cells, and annotate the biological functions of AEGs. The role of the candidate AEG, TLR-4, on the resistant phenotypes was further investigated.Results: The resistance index of resistant cells was 2-3, and they showed a slower proliferation and increased migration ability. 4741 AEGs were screened out (Log2fold change absolute: log2FC(abs) > 1) in the resistant cells, and they were enriched in 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity and chemical carcinogenesis. A number of AEGs, CCND2, IGFBP3, FOS, SHH, ZEB2, and members of FGF, FGFR and WNT families were also identified to be involved in cancer- and resistant phenotype-related processes. Finally, TLR-4 was validated significantly increased in resistant cells, and knockdown of TLR-4 increased drug-sensitivity, inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities.Conclusions: The study provided a comprehensive gene expression profile of paclitaxel-resistant PCa cells, and TLR-4 could be a potential target to reverse paclitaxel resistance.

Safety and Transcriptome Analysis of Live Attenuated Brucella Vaccine Strain S2 on Non-pregnant Cynomolgus Monkeys Without Abortive Effect on Pregnant Cynomolgus Monkeys.

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella spp., is an important zoonotic disease leading to enormous economic losses in livestock, posing a great threat to public health worldwide. The live attenuated Brucella suis (B. suis) strain S2, a safe and effective vaccine, is widely used in animals in China. However, S2 vaccination in animals may raise debates and concerns in terms of safety to primates, particularly humans. In this study, we used cynomolgus monkey as an animal model to evaluate the safety of the S2 vaccine strain on primates. In addition, we performed transcriptome analysis to determine gene expression profiling on cynomolgus monkeys immunized with the S2 vaccine. Our results suggested that the S2 vaccine was safe for cynomolgus monkeys. The transcriptome analysis identified 663 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 348 were significantly upregulated and 315 were remarkably downregulated. The Gene Ontology (GO) classification and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were involved in various biological processes (BPs), including the chemokine signaling pathway, actin cytoskeleton regulation, the defense response, immune system processing, and the type-I interferon signaling pathway. The molecular functions of the DEGs were mainly comprised of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, double-stranded RNA binding, and actin-binding. Moreover, the cellular components of these DEGs included integrin complex, myosin II complex, and blood microparticle. Our findings alleviate the concerns over the safety of the S2 vaccine on primates and provide a genetic basis for the response from a mammalian host following vaccination with the S2 vaccine.

Loss of interferon antibodies during prolonged continuous interferon-alpha 2a therapy in hairy cell leukemia.

Although highly active in hairy cell leukemia (HCL), interferons (IFN) are not curative in this disease; current data indicate that prolonged IFN therapy will be necessary to control disease in the majority of patients. We previously observed acquired IFN resistance in association with neutralizing IFN-alpha 2a antibodies in small numbers of patients with HCL. This finding suggests that the requisite long-term therapy may be compromised if there is an increasing incidence over time of neutralizing antibodies. We performed a follow-up study of IFN antibodies in our patients receiving continuous IFN therapy. All 16 patients who were previously antibody negative remained so. Surprisingly, all nine patients who previously had non-neutralizing IFN antibodies became antibody negative after a median of 14.5 months. Moreover, 3 of 10 patients who had neutralizing antibodies became antibody negative and five had only non-neutralizing antibodies a median of 10 months from the time neutralizing antibody had first been detected. Only two patients had persisting neutralizing antibodies. Inhibition of neopterin synthesis, inhibition of generation of 2', 5' oligoadenylate synthetase activity, and inability to detect IFN in serum after subcutaneous injection of IFN-alpha 2a was observed only in the one patient tested with neutralizing IFN antibodies confirming that these antibodies have functional significance in vivo. We conclude that, although neutralizing IFN antibodies inhibit the effectiveness of IFN in vivo, these antibodies are produced only transiently during long-term therapy. The long-term effectiveness of this drug will not likely be affected in most patients by neutralizing antibody.

A seed motif for target RNA capture enables efficient immune defence by a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system

ABSTRACTCRISPR-Cas systems provide an adaptive defence against foreign nucleic acids guided by small RNAs (crRNAs) in archaea and bacteria. The Type III CRISPR systems are reported to carry RNase, RNA-activated DNase and cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) synthetase activity, and are significantly different from other CRISPR systems. However, detailed features of target recognition, which are essential for enhancing target specificity remain unknown in Type III CRISPR systems. Here, we show that the Type III-B Cmr-α system in S. islandicus generates two constant lengths of crRNA independent of the length of the spacer. Either mutation at the 3ʹ-end of crRNA or target truncation greatly influences the target capture and cleavage by the Cmr-α effector complex. Furthermore, we found that cleavage at the tag-proximal site on the target RNA by the Cmr-α RNP complex is delayed relative to the other sites, which probably provides Cas10 more time to function as a guard against invaders. Using a mutagenesis assay in vivo, we discovered that a seed motif located at the tag-distal region of the crRNA is required by Cmr1α for target RNA capture by the Cmr-α system thereby enhancing target specificity and efficiency. These findings further refine the model for immune defence of Type III-B CRISPR-Cas system, commencing on capture, cleavage and regulation.

Transcriptome sequencing in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease.

The neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been widely exploited as a tool for modeling Parkinson's disease (PD) in the rat. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive profile of the mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in rats treated with 6-OHDA as a model of PD. Female SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: a PD model group and a control group. The PD model was induced by 6-OHDA injection. RNA-seq analysis was performed on 6-OHDA-treated rats and corresponding controls. Novel lncRNAs were identified. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the PD group compared with controls. Gene Ontology function and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the DEGs, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. In addition, prediction of lncRNA target genes and function prediction of lncRNAs were performed. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) that interacted with the DEGs and differentially expressed lncRNAs were predicted to construct a miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network. A total of 536 DEGs and 512 differentially expressed lncRNAs (44 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated known lncRNAs; 407 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated novel lncRNAs) were identified in the PD rat model compared with controls. The DEGs and target genes of lncRNAs were mainly associated with the innate immune response, 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, GTPase activity, GTP binding and the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway. IRF7 and ISG15 were hub proteins in the PPI network. Many mRNAs and lncRNAs interacted with other molecules in a competing endogenous RNA network, such as MAS1, TMPRSS2, NPTX1, XLOC_016191, XLOC_026924 and XLOC_005439. We conclude that IRF7, ISG15, MAS1, TMPRSS2, NPTX1, XLOC_016191, XLOC_026924 and XLOC_005439 may contribute critical roles in the pathogenesis of PD.

Structure Studies of the CRISPR-Csm Complex Reveal Mechanism of Co-transcriptional Interference

Csm, a type III-A CRISPR-Cas interference complex, is a CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided RNase that also possesses target RNA-dependent DNase and cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) synthetase activities. However, the structural features allowing target RNA-binding-dependent activation of DNA cleavage and cOA generation remain unknown. Here, we report the structure of Csm in complex with crRNA together with structures of cognate or non-cognate target RNA bound Csm complexes. We show that depending on complementarity with the 5' tag of crRNA, the 3' anti-tag region of target RNA binds at two distinct sites of the Csm complex. Importantly, the interaction between the non-complementary anti-tag region of cognate target RNA and Csm1 induces a conformational change at the Csm1 subunit that allosterically activates DNA cleavage and cOA generation. Together, our structural studies provide crucial insights into the mechanistic processes required for crRNA-meditated sequence-specific RNA cleavage, RNA target-dependent non-specific DNA cleavage, and cOA generation.

Identification of a novel porcine OASL variant exhibiting antiviral activity

2′, 5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase-lilke (OASL) protein is an atypical oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family member, which possesses antiviral activity but lacks 2′, 5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity. Here, a novel variant of porcine OASL (pOASL2) was identified through RT-PCR amplification. This gene is distinguishable from the previously described wild-type porcine OASL (pOASL1). The gene appears to be derived from a truncation of exon 4 plus 8 nucleotides of exon 5 with a premature termination, measuring only 633 bp in length, although its position corresponds to that of pOASL1. Given this novel gene appears to be a variant of pOASL, we assayed for antiviral activity of the protein. We demonstrated that pOASL2 could inhibit Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) proliferation as well as pOASL1 in a transient overexpression assay of pOASL1 and pOASL2 in PK-15 and Vero cells. In addition to JEV, pOASL1 and pOASL2 also decreased the proliferations of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), but did not exhibit antiviral activity against pseudorabies virus (PRV). Structural analysis showed that the pOASL2 gene retained only the first three exons at the 5′-. To investigate the role of the αN4 helix in pOASL in antiviral responses like that in hOASL, we mutated key residues in the anchor domain of the αN4 helix in pOASL2, based on the domain’s location in hOASL. However, the antiviral activity of pOASL2 was not affected. Thus, the αN4 helix of pOASL likely does not play a significant role in its antiviral activity. In conclusion, pOASL2 acts as a new splice isoform of pOASL that plays a role in resistance to infection of several kinds of RNA viruses.

A Modified Coupled Spectrophotometric Method to Detect 2-5 Oligoadenylate Synthetase Activity in Prostate Cell Lines.

Background2’-5’ oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are interferon inducible enzymes that polymerizes ATP to 2’-5’-linked oligomers of adenylate (2-5As). As part of the innate immune response, these enzymes are activated by viral double stranded RNA or mRNAs with significant double stranded structure. The 2-5As in turn activate RNaseL that degrade single stranded RNAs. Three distinct forms of OAS exist in human cells (OAS1, 2 and 3) with each form having multiple spliced variants. The OAS enzymes and their spliced variants have different enzyme activities. OAS enzymes also play a significant role in regulating multiple cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, Single nucleotide polymorphisms that alter OAS activity are also associated with viral infection, diabetes and cancer. Thus detection of OAS enzyme activity with a simple spectrophotometric method in cells will be important in clinical research.ResultsHere we propose a modified coupled spectrophotometric assay to detect 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) enzyme activity in prostate cell lines as a model system. The OAS enzyme from prostate cancer cell lysates was purified using Polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) bound activated sepharose beads. The activated OAS enzyme eluted from Sepharose beads showed expression of p46 isoform of OAS1, generally considered the most abundant OAS isoform in elutes from DU14 cell line but not in other prostate cell line. In this assay the phosphates generated by the OAS enzymatic reaction is coupled with conversion of the substrate 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine ribonucleoside (methylthioguanosine, a guanosine analogue; MESG) to a purine base product, 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine and ribose1-phosphate via a catalyst purine nucleoside phosphorylase (phosphorylase) using a commercially available pyrophosphate kit. The absorbance of the purine base product is measured at 360 nm. The higher levels of phosphates detected in DU145 cell line indicates more activity of OAS in this prostate cancer cell line.ConclusionThe modified simple method detected OAS enzyme activity with sensitivity and specificity, which could help in detection of OAS enzymes avoiding the laborious and radioactive methods.

The interferon production and 2',5'-oligoadenylate-synthetase activity in rat spleen lymphocytes at hypoacidity evoked by omeprazole injectionand at administration of multiprobiotic "SYMBITER"

The IFN production by rat spleen lymphocytes was shown to increase by 2.5 times in comparison to control against a background of hypoacidity evoked by 28-days of OM treatment (14 mg/kg). The activity of IFN-induced enzyme 2',5'-OAS declined by 16 % in these cells. The simultaneous administration of multiprobiotic SYM and OM resulted in IFN titer increase in comparison to hypoacidic animals. The 2',5'-OAS activity in spleenocytes didn’t change. SYM displayed interferonogenic properties via gastric microflora normalization and suppressing inflammation.

Minimal Dose Interferon Suppository Treatment Suppresses Viral Replication with Platelet Counts and Serum Albumin Levels Increased in Chronically Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients: A Phase 1b, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study

Animal studies have shown that rectally administrated interferon (IFN) is transferred into the lymphatic system via the rectal mucous membrane, suggesting that an IFN suppository could serve as another drug delivery method. We developed an IFN suppository and administered it to patients with chronic hepatitis C to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Twenty-eight patients with chronic hepatitis C participated in the study. The low-dose IFN suppository containing 1,000 international units (IU) of lymphoblastoid IFNα was administered to 14 patients daily for 24 weeks. Others had a placebo dosing. In 13 of the 14 IFN suppository-treated patients, viral load decreased at week 4. The serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels (Log IU/mL, mean±standard error) were 5.65±0.18 before the treatment and 5.17±0.27 at week 4 (P=0.01). The 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase activity increased, while the CD4/CD8 ratio decreased significantly. Interestingly, platelet counts and serum albumin levels were significantly increased during and after the treatment. No serious adverse events were observed. The low-dose IFN suppository treatment suppressed HCV replication, modifying host immunity, with increased platelet counts and serum albumin levels. The IFN suppository could be considered a new drug delivery method to preserve the quality of life of patients.

Титр інтерферону та 2', 5'-олігоаденілат-синтетазна активність у лімфоцитах тимусу щурів за гіпергастринемії, спричиненої омепразолом

Титр інтерферону та 2', 5'-олігоаденілат-синтетазна активність у лімфоцитах тимусу щурів за гіпергастринемії, спричиненої омепразолом

Effects of human recombinant-interferon β in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in guinea pigs

Context: Although clinical data for beneficial effects of Betaferon, human recombinant-interferon (r-IFN) β-1b, are accumulating, what is less evident is how and why it works.Objective: The present study was carried out to examine whether Betaferon suppresses progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Materials and methods: The EAE model was employed in guinea pigs in vivo, and mononuclear cell proliferation and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity were assessed in vitro.Results: Betaferon was more reactive in two assays of guinea pigs, mitogen-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity of blood, than in rats and rabbits. Guinea pigs were immunized actively by antigen, porcine myelin basic protein. The neurological deficits were assessed by clinical signs scored daily. Guinea pig Betaferon, replaced with guinea pig albumin (GPA), at 1.2 and 12.0 MIU/kg/day or vehicle was administered subcutaneously daily for 20 days in the immunized guinea pigs. GPA-Betaferon suppressed the manifestation of ataxia or more progression of chronic neurological deficits significantly at 1.2 MIU/kg (p <0.05). Two out of 10 animals manifested no clinical signs in the GPA-Betaferon-treated group with the higher dose, while all animals were worsened with typical clinical signs of EAE in the vehicle group where mononuclear cell infiltrates around blood vessels were seen in the spinal cord of vehicle-treated animals.Discussion and conclusion: Human r-IFN β-1b attenuates progression of neurological deficits in the EAE model of guinea pigs with evidence for higher susceptibility of animal cells/tissues to the human cytokine, in contrast with rodents and rabbits.

Safety, Tolerability, and Mechanisms of Antiretroviral Activity of Pegylated Interferon Alfa‐2a in HIV‐1–Monoinfected Participants: A Phase II Clinical Trial

To our knowledge, the antiviral activity of pegylated interferon alfa-2a has not been studied in participants with untreated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection but without chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Untreated HIV-1-infected volunteers without HCV infection received 180 microg of pegylated interferon alfa-2a weekly for 12 weeks. Changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA load, CD4(+) T cell counts, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic measurements of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) activity, and induction levels of interferon-inducible genes (IFIGs) were measured. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed. Eleven participants completed 12 weeks of therapy. The median plasma viral load decrease and change in CD4(+) T cell counts at week 12 were 0.61 log(10) copies/mL (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-1.18 log(10) copies/mL) and -44 cells/microL (90% CI, -95 to 85 cells/microL), respectively. There was no correlation between plasma viral load decreases and concurrent pegylated interferon plasma concentrations. However, participants with larger increases in OAS level exhibited greater decreases in plasma viral load at weeks 1 and 2 (r = -0.75 [90% CI, -0.93 to -0.28] and r = -0.61 [90% CI, -0.87 to -0.09], respectively; estimated Spearman rank correlation). Participants with higher baseline IFIG levels had smaller week 12 decreases in plasma viral load (0.66 log(10) copies/mL [90% CI, 0.06-0.91 log(10) copies/mL]), whereas those with larger IFIG induction levels exhibited larger decreases in plasma viral load (-0.74 log(10) copies/mL [90% CI, -0.93 to -0.21 log(10) copies/mL]). Pegylated interferon alfa-2a was well tolerated and exhibited statistically significant anti-HIV-1 activity in HIV-1-monoinfected patients. The anti-HIV-1 effect correlated with OAS protein levels (weeks 1 and 2) and IFIG induction levels (week 12) but not with pegylated interferon concentrations.

Evolution of the 2′-5′-Oligoadenylate Synthetase Family in Eukaryotes and Bacteria

The 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) belongs to a nucleotidyl transferase family that includes poly(A) polymerases and CCA-adding enzymes. In mammals and birds, the OAS functions in the interferon system but it is also present in an active form in sponges, which are devoid of the interferon system. In view of these observations, we have pursued the idea that OAS genes could be present in other metazoans and in unicellular organisms as well. We have identified a number of OAS1 genes in annelids, mollusks, a cnidarian, chordates, and unicellular eukaryotes and also found a family of proteins in bacteria that contains the five OAS-specific motifs. This indicates a specific relationship to OAS. The wide distribution of the OAS genes has made it possible to suggest how the OAS1 gene could have evolved from a common ancestor to choanoflagellates and metazoans. Furthermore, we suggest that the OASL may have evolved from an ancestor of cartilaginous fishes, and that the OAS2 and the OAS3 genes evolved from a mammalian ancestor. OAS proteins function in the interferon system in mammals. This system is only found in jawed vertebrates. We therefore suggest that the original function of OAS may differ from its function in the interferon system, and that this original function of OAS is preserved even in OAS genes that code for proteins, which do not have 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity.

2′-phosphodiesterase and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activities in the lowest metazoans, sponge [porifera

Sponges [porifera], the most ancient metazoans, contain modules related to the vertebrate immune system, including the 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS). The components of the antiviral 2′,5′-oligoadenylate (2–5A) system (OAS, 2′-Phosphodiesterase (2′-PDE) and RNAse L) of vertebrates have not all been identified in sponges. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that in addition to the OAS activity, sponges possess a 2′-PDE activity, which highlights the probable existence of a premature 2–5A system. Indeed, Suberites domuncula and Crella elegans exhibited this 2–5A degrading activity. Upon this finding, two out of three elements forming the 2–5A system have been found in sponges, only a endoribonuclease, RNAse L or similar, has to be found. We suspect the existence of a complex immune system in sponges, besides the self/non-self recognition system and the use of phagocytosis and secondary metabolites against pathogens.

2′-5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase is activated by a specific RNA sequence motif

2′-5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase plays a central role in the cellular innate antiviral response. Although activation of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase by double stranded RNA was discovered more than 30 years ago it is still unclear which sequence features are required by an RNA to activate the enzyme. A pool of chemically synthesized short double stranded RNAs of specific sequence was used to probe 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activation. It was found that activating double stranded RNAs contain the following motif: NNWWNNNNNNNNNWGN. Verification of this sequence motif in a pool of 102 small double stranded RNAs demonstrated a false positive prediction rate of 8% and a false negative prediction rate of 12%. The sequence motif identified provides mechanistic insight into the mechanism of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activation by double stranded RNA and allows theoretical predictions whether a given RNA molecule has the capability to activate 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase.

The p59 oligoadenylate synthetase-like protein possesses antiviral activity that requires the C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain

Viral infection of mammalian cells prompts the innate immune system to initiate an antiviral response. The recognition of the virus triggers several antiviral signalling pathways, which among others include the family of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) proteins. The p59 protein encoded by the OAS-like (OASL) gene is an atypical member of the OAS family in the sense that it lacks the characteristic 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase activity. We decided to investigate the putative antiviral activity of p59 by ectopically expressing this protein in Vero cells and then infecting these cells with virus. We demonstrate that OASL has an antiviral effect against the single-stranded RNA virus picornavirus, encephalomyocarditis virus, but not against a large DNA virus, herpes simplex virus 1. Importantly, this antiviral activity was lost in a truncated version of p59 lacking the ubiquitin-like C-terminal domain of p59. Taken together our results indicate that p59 is indeed an antiviral protein that works through a novel mechanism distinct from other OAS proteins.