2-prime,5-prime oligoadenylates (2-5As) bind to and activate RNase L, leading to degradation of RNA and inhibition of protein synthesis. 2-5As are produced by 2-5A synthetases (OASs), a highly-conserved family of interferon-induced enzymes. The predicted 514-amino acid human p59OASL (2-5A synthetases-like) protein shares a highly conserved N-terminal domain with other OASs. The C-terminal portion of p59OASL contains 2 ubiquitin-like domains. p59OASL is expressed in most tissues, with the highest levels in hematopoietic tissues, colon, and stomach.
