OAS1 polyclonal antibody

The 2'-, 5'- oligoadenylate synthetases (OASs) are interferon-induced proteins that play a putative role in mediating resistance to virus infection, control of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. OAS1, which functions as a homotetramer, is characterized by its capacity to catalyze the synthesis of 2'-, 5'- oligomers of adenosine (2-5As). OAS1 binds double-stranded RNA and polymerizes ATP into PPP(A2'P5'A)N oligomers, activating latent RNase L which, when activated, cleaves single-stranded RNAs. This RNase L activity leads to the inhibition of cellular protein synthesis and the impairment of viral replication. OAS1, a 400 amino acid containing protein, is also important in evaluating the interferon response in RNAi studies, and is implicated in diabetes mellitus susceptibility.