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Interferon action—sequence specificity of the ppp(A2′p)nA-dependent ribonuclease

Nature volume 289, pages 414–417 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

The oligonucleotides pppA2′p5′A2′p5′A and related oligomers (2-5A) are synthesized by an enzyme that is widely distributed in a variety of cells, the activity of which varies with Interferon treatment, growth and hormone status1,2. Because significant amounts of 2-5A have recently been detected in interferon-treated cells3, it has been suggested that the oligonucleotides may be involved in interferon action and in the control of cell metabolism. In both intact cells4,5 and cell-free systems6–11 2-5 A has been shown to activate a ribonuclease. We report here investigations of the sequence specificities of the 2-5A-dependent ribonucleases in extracts of rabbit reticulocytes, mouse ascites tumour cells and human lymphoblastoid cells in conditions of partial digestion using terminally labelled RNA substrates. The enzymes cleaved on the 3′-side of UN sequences to yield UpNp terminated products. Cleavage was observed predominantly at UA and UU sequences.

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Author notes

  1. Daniel H. Wreschner

    Present address: Department of Microbiology, Tel Aviv, University Ramat Aviv, Israel

  2. John W. McCauley

    Present address: Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK

  3. Ian M. Kerr

    Present address: ICRF Labora tones, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK

    Daniel H. Wreschner, John W. McCauley, John J. Skehel & Ian M. Kerr

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Wreschner, D., McCauley, J., Skehel, J. et al. Interferon action—sequence specificity of the ppp(A2′p)nA-dependent ribonuclease. Nature 289, 414–417 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289414a0

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