Ifit1-flox Mouse

Ifit1, also known as Interferon-induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1, is a member of the ISG56/IFIT1 gene family. These genes are clustered on human chromosome 10 and their transcription is strongly induced by interferons, virus infection, etc. IFIT1 can function as a dual sensor and effector molecule of the cellular innate immune system, detecting non-2'-O methylated viral RNA and inhibiting its translation [4,5].

In cancer research, IFIT1 has been found to be involved in the progression of multiple cancers. In pancreatic cancer, knockdown of IFIT1 expression led to decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells as it regulates the Wnt/β -catenin pathway [2,6]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, CAF-derived CXCL11 can upregulate IFIT1 expression through the circUBAP2/miR-4756 axis, promoting cell migration and tumor metastasis [1]. In poorly cohesive carcinoma, high infiltration of IFIT1+ tumor-associated neutrophils promotes cancer cell migration, invasion, and growth, and contributes to immunosuppression and resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy [3].

In conclusion, IFIT1 plays a significant role in both the innate immune response against viruses and in the progression of various cancers. Studies using loss-of-function models in these cancer types have revealed its importance in cancer-related biological processes, providing potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.