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Function and Regulation of Nuclear DNA Sensors During Viral Infection and Tumorigenesis

Fan Zhang1,2, Yi Yuan1,2,3, Feng Ma1,2

  • 1Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|January 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

IFI16, hnRNPA2B1, and nuclear cGAS are key nuclear DNA sensors. They initiate antiviral immunity and impact cancer by sensing DNA and regulating gene expression, with their functions being tightly controlled.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • IFI16, hnRNPA2B1, and nuclear cGAS are nuclear DNA sensors.
  • These sensors are crucial for antiviral immunity and cancer modulation.
  • Their functions involve recognizing various DNA forms and interacting with key cellular pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the nuclear functions of IFI16, hnRNPA2B1, and cGAS.
  • To summarize the regulatory mechanisms governing these DNA sensors.
  • To highlight their roles in antiviral immunity and tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of nuclear DNA sensor functions.
  • Analysis of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation.
  • Integration of findings on IFI16, hnRNPA2B1, and cGAS interactions.

Main Results:

  • IFI16 recognizes DNA to trigger immunity and suppress tumors, interacting with p53 and BRCA1.
  • hnRNPA2B1 binds viral DNA, promoting IFN production and m6A modification of immune genes.
  • Nuclear cGAS senses DNA breaks, inhibiting repair and promoting cancer.

Conclusions:

  • IFI16, hnRNPA2B1, and cGAS play multifaceted roles in innate immunity and cancer.
  • Their nuclear functions are intricately regulated at multiple levels.
  • Understanding these sensors offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
IFI16cGAShnRNPA2B1nuclear DNA sensorp53tumorigenesistype I interferon

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