Papel da proteína Mx1 na resposta a interferons e no processo neoplásico

The Mx1 protein is encoded by an interferon- induced gene and shares domain organization, homooligomerization capacity and membrane association with the large dynamin-like GTPases. The Mx1 protein is involved in the response to a large number of RNA viruses, such as the bunyavirus family and the influenza virus. Interestingly, it has also been found as a methylation-silenced gene in several types of neoplasm, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In this scenario, MX1 gene silencing is associated with immortalization in several neoplastic cell lines. Thus, Mx1 stands out as one of the key proteins involved in interferon-induced immune response and also plays an important role in cell cycle control. Here we discuss some of the functions of the Mx1 protein, including its antiviral activity, protein folding and involvement in neoplasia, as well as those revealed by investigating its cellular partners.