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TREX1 plays multiple roles in human diseases

Qing Wang1, Juan Du2, Shucheng Hua3

  • 1Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China.

Cellular Immunology
|April 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is a DNA exonuclease that prevents immune activation. TREX1 has dual roles in disease, impacting immunity in cancer and inducing DNA damage in other conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is a key 3'-5' DNA exonuclease.
  • TREX1's primary role is digesting cytosolic DNA to prevent innate immune system activation.
  • Emerging evidence highlights TREX1's additional functions in regulating protein complexes and degradation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions and mechanisms of TREX1.
  • To explore TREX1's dual role in human diseases, including autoimmune, inflammatory, and cancerous conditions.
  • To analyze the relationship between TREX1 function and disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on TREX1.
  • Analysis of TREX1's exonuclease activity and non-exonuclease functions.
  • Examination of TREX1's involvement in various disease contexts.

Main Results:

  • TREX1's exonuclease activity is crucial for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory responses.
  • In cancer and radiotherapy, TREX1's DNA digestion can inhibit antitumor immunity.
  • TREX1 also processes chromosomal abnormalities, potentially inducing DNA damage.

Conclusions:

  • TREX1 exhibits a complex, dual role in human health and disease.
  • Understanding TREX1's multifaceted functions is essential for developing targeted therapies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate TREX1's molecular mechanisms in disease.
Keywords:
Antitumor immunityAutoimmune diseasesIFN signaling systemInflammatory diseasesInnate immunityInterferon type ITREX1

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