Targeting OAS Enzymes with the Transcreener 2-5A OAS Assay
Discover OAS Modulators with the Transcreener 2-5A OAS Assay
The Transcreener OAS Assay measures the 2-5A produced by OAS1 (also known as 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1) OAS2, or OAS3. By measuring the production of OAS researchers can effectively determine the activity of OAS enzymes. The assay provides a powerful tool to screen compound libraries for OAS modulators to help find new therapeutics for a variety of different conditions including autoimmune diseases.
The assay is currently available as a product and service performed in-house at BellBrook Labs. Please contact us for questions related to the assay or acquiring enzymes.
The Role of OAS1 In Innate Immunity
Double stranded RNA enters the cell from viral infection. As a first line of defense in the innate immune system, OAS1 is activated by viral double-stranded RNA. Upon activation, OAS1 synthesizes 2-5A from ATP which in turn activates RNase L. The result of this signaling event cleaves both viral and host RNA and in turn inhibition of protein synthesis in the cell, thus ending the replication of invading RNA viruses. Mutation or inadvertent stimulation can produce autoimmune conditions by activating the pathway inconsistently even while not in the presence of viral invaders.
Detection of 2-5A to Measure OAS Enzymatic Activity

In the presence of dsRNA OAS uses ATP to produce the messenger 2-5A. The assay uses a coupling enzyme which generates AMP from the 2-5A. The AMP is then measured by the proven Transcreener AMP/GMP Assay with an FP readout.