IFITM1

IFITM1 (Interferon Induced Transmembrane Protein 1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IFITM1 gene. It is a member of the interferon induced transmembrane protein family, which is known for its role in inhibiting the entry of viruses into host cells.

Function

IFITM1 is an interferon stimulated gene (ISG) that gets upregulated in response to viral infections. It is a transmembrane protein that is located in the late endosomes and lysosomes of the cell. The protein has been shown to restrict the entry of multiple enveloped viruses into the host cell, including Influenza A virus, Dengue virus, West Nile virus, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of IFITM1 have been associated with several types of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer, and gastric cancer. Overexpression of IFITM1 has been shown to promote tumor growth and metastasis, while its downregulation inhibits these processes.

Research

Research into the role of IFITM1 in viral infections and cancer is ongoing. Understanding the mechanisms by which IFITM1 restricts viral entry and promotes tumor growth could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating viral infections and cancer.

See also

• Interferon
• Interferon induced transmembrane protein
• Viral infection
• Cancer