MDA5/IFIH1 Human Recombinant Protein

DEAD box proteins, characterized by the conserved motif Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD), are putative RNA helicases. They are implicated in a number of cellular processes involving alteration of RNA secondary structure such as translation initiation, nuclear and mitochondrial splicing, and ribosome and spliceosome assembly. Based on their distribution patterns, some members of this family are believed to be involved in embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, and cellular growth and division. This gene encodes a DEAD box protein that is upregulated in response to treatment with beta-interferon and a protein kinase C-activating compound, mezerein. Irreversible reprogramming of melanomas can be achieved by treatment with both these agents; treatment with either agent alone only achieves reversible differentiation. Genetic variation in this gene is associated with diabetes mellitus insulin-dependent type 19. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2012]

IFIH1: Innate immune receptor which acts as a cytoplasmic sensor of viral nucleic acids and plays a major role in sensing viral infection and in the activation of a cascade of antiviral responses including the induction of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Its ligands include mRNA lacking 2'-O- methylation at their 5' cap and long-dsRNA (>1 kb in length). Upon ligand binding it associates with mitochondria antiviral signaling protein (MAVS/IPS1) which activates the IKK-related kinases: TBK1 and IKBKE which phosphorylate interferon regulatory factors: IRF3 and IRF7 which in turn activate transcription of antiviral immunological genes, including interferons (IFNs); IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. Responsible for detecting the Picornaviridae family members such as encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and mengo encephalomyocarditis virus (ENMG). Can also detect other viruses such as dengue virus (DENV), west Nile virus (WNV), and reovirus. Also involved in antiviral signaling in response to viruses containing a dsDNA genome, such as vaccinia virus. Plays an important role in amplifying innate immune signaling through recognition of RNA metabolites that are produced during virus infection by ribonuclease L (RNase L). May play an important role in enhancing natural killer cell function and may be involved in growth inhibition and apoptosis in several tumor cell lines. Monomer in the absence of ligands and homodimerizes in the presence of dsRNA ligands. Can assemble into helical or linear polymeric filaments on long dsRNA. Interacts with MAVS/IPS1. Interacts with V protein of Simian virus 5, Human parainfluenza virus 2, Mumps virus, Sendai virus and Hendra virus. Binding to paramyxoviruses V proteins prevents IFN-beta induction, and the further establishment of an antiviral state. Interacts with PCBP2. Interacts with NLRC5. Interacts with PIAS2-beta. Interacts with DDX60. By interferon (IFN) and TNF. Widely expressed, at a low level. Expression is detected at slightly highest levels in placenta, pancreas and spleen and at barely levels in detectable brain, testis and lung. Belongs to the helicase family. RLR subfamily. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Apoptosis; EC 3.6.4.13; Helicase

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 2q24

Cellular Component: nucleus; cytosol

Molecular Function: ribonucleoprotein binding; protein binding; single-stranded RNA binding; DNA binding; zinc ion binding; double-stranded RNA binding; helicase activity; ATP binding

Biological Process: regulation of apoptosis; protein sumoylation; detection of virus; viral reproduction; response to virus; positive regulation of interferon-beta production; innate immune response; negative regulation of interferon type I production; positive regulation of interferon-alpha production

Disease: Aicardi-goutieres Syndrome 7; Singleton-merten Syndrome 1