OAS2

This gene encodes a member of the 2-5A synthetase family, essential proteins involved in the innate immune response to viral infection. The encoded protein is induced by interferons and uses adenosine triphosphate in 2'-specific nucleotidyl transfer reactions to synthesize 2',5'-oligoadenylates (2-5As). These molecules activate latent RNase L, which results in viral RNA degradation and the inhibition of viral replication. Diseases associated with OAS2 include Microphthalmia With Limb Anomalies. Among its related pathways are Cytokine Signaling in Immune system and Innate Immune System.

Full Name

2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 2

Function

Interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated antiviral enzyme which plays a critical role in cellular innate antiviral response (PubMed:10464285, PubMed:9880569).
Activated by detection of double stranded RNA (dsRNA): polymerizes higher oligomers of 2'-5'-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP which then bind to the inactive monomeric form of ribonuclease L (RNASEL) leading to its dimerization and subsequent activation (PubMed:10464285, PubMed:9880569, PubMed:11682059).
Activation of RNASEL leads to degradation of cellular as well as viral RNA, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis, thus terminating viral replication (PubMed:10464285, PubMed:9880569).
Can mediate the antiviral effect via the classical RNASEL-dependent pathway or an alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNASEL (PubMed:21142819).
In addition, it may also play a role in other cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation (PubMed:21142819).
May act as a negative regulator of lactation, stopping lactation in virally infected mammary gland lobules, thereby preventing transmission of viruses to neonates (By similarity).
Non-infected lobules would not be affected, allowing efficient pup feeding during infection (By similarity).

Biological Process

Defense response to bacteriumManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:ARUK-UCL
Defense response to virusISS:UniProtKB
Interleukin-27-mediated signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:ARUK-UCL
Negative regulation of viral genome replicationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Nucleobase-containing compound metabolic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Positive regulation of interferon-beta productionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:ARUK-UCL
Positive regulation of tumor necrosis factor productionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:ARUK-UCL
Regulation of lactationISS:UniProtKB
Regulation of ribonuclease activityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Response to virusManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:UniProtKB
RNA catabolic processIEA:Ensembl
Type I interferon signaling pathwayISS:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm, perinuclear region

PTM

Myristoylation is not essential for its activity.
Glycosylated. Glycosylation is essential for its activity.