Metabolic stability of 2' 5'oligo (A) and activity of 2' 5'oligo (A)-dependent endonuclease in extracts of interferon-treated and control HeLa cells.

Extracts of interferon-treated HeLa cells adsorbed to poly(I) . poly(C)-agarose have been used to synthesize 2'5'oligo(A). This oligonucleotide has been characterized by enzymatic digestion with alkaline phosphatase, snake venom phosphodiesterase, T2 ribonuclease and chromatography on DEAE, and PEI-cellulose. The oligonucleotide inhibits protein synthesis in vitro and activates an endonuclease present in extracts of control and interferon-treated cells. The metabolic stability of 2'5'oligo(A) has been investigated in these cell extracts. The oligonucleotide undergoes rapid degradation, particularly in the absence of ATP and of an energy regenerating system. Furthermore, the 2'5'oligo(A)-activated endonuclease reverts to an inactive state under these conditions, but can be reactivated upon further addition of 2'5'oligo(A). A possible role for the degradation of 2'5'oligo(A) in the mechanism of interferon action is discussed.