Abstract
The interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) gene family performs multiple functions in immunity, including inhibition of virus entry into cells. The IFITM repertoire varies widely between species and consists of protein-coding genes and pseudogenes. The selective forces driving pseudogenization within gene families are rarely understood. In this issue, the human pseudogene IFITM4P is characterized as a virus-induced, long noncoding RNA that contributes to restriction of influenza A virus by regulating mRNA levels of IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3.
Keywords:
IFITM; interferons; lncRNA; miRNA; pseudogene; retrogene.
MeSH terms
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Antigens, Differentiation / metabolism
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Antiviral Agents / immunology
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Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Gene Knockdown Techniques
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Humans
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Influenza A virus / drug effects*
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Influenza A virus / immunology
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Influenza A virus / metabolism*
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Influenza, Human / immunology
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Influenza, Human / virology*
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Interferons / immunology
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Membrane Proteins / immunology
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
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Pseudogenes*
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RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
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RNA, Long Noncoding / immunology
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RNA, Long Noncoding / pharmacology*
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Virus Internalization
Substances
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Antigens, Differentiation
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Antiviral Agents
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IFITM2 protein, human
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IFITM3 protein, human
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Membrane Proteins
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RNA, Long Noncoding
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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leu-13 antigen
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Interferons