This gene encodes a protein, also known as pyrin or marenostrin, that is an important modulator of innate immunity. Mutations in this gene are associated with Mediterranean fever, a hereditary periodic fever syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Function:
Involved in innate immunity and the inflammatory response. Interacts with several components of the inflammasome complex, a large oligomeric structure which recruits and activates CASP1 and ultimately induces maturation of cytokines such as IL1B. However, the exact role of MEFV in the inflammatory pathway is uncertain as contradictory effects on IL1B processing have been reported in different experimental systems. Has been shown to activate IL1B production (Ref.13). Has also been shown to inhibit IL1B production (Ref.14, Ref.15). Also required for PSTPIP1-induced PYCARD oligomerization and for formation of pyroptosomes, large supramolecular structures composed of oligomerized PYCARD dimers which form prior to inflammatory apoptosis. Can reduce PYCARD-induced apoptosis. Recruits PSTPIP1 to pyroptosomes, and required for PSTPIP1 oligomerization.
Subcellular Location:
Nucleus and Cytoplasm > cytoskeleton. Associated with microtubules and with the filamentous actin of perinuclear filaments and peripheral lamellar ruffles.
Tissue Specificity:
Expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes, particularly in mature granulocytes and to a lesser extent in monocytes but not in lymphocytes. Detected in spleen, lung and muscle, probably as a result of leukocyte infiltration in these tissues. Not expressed in thymus, prostate, testis, ovary, small intestine, colon, heart, brain, placenta, liver, kidney, pancreas. Expression detected in several myeloid leukemic, colon cancer, and prostate cancer cell lines.
Post-translational modifications:
Cleaved by CASP1 Probable. The N-terminal cleavage product localizes to the nucleus as a filamentous network and to the cytoplasm, interacts more strongly with RELA and NFKBIA than the full-length protein, enhances the nuclear localization of RELA and induces NFKBIA proteolysis. The SLCterminal cleavage product localizes to the cytoplasm.
DISEASE:
Defects in MEFV are the cause of familial Mediterranean fever autosomal recessive (ARFMF) [MIM:249100]. ARFMF is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent episodic fever, serosal inflammation and pain in the abdomen, chest or joints. ARFMF is frequently complicated by amyloidosis, which leads to renal failure and can be prophylactically treated with colchicine. ARFMF primarily affects ancestral ethnic groups living around the Mediterranean basin: North African Jews, Armenians, Arabs and Turks. The disease is also distributed in other populations including Greeks, Cypriots, Italians and Spanish, although at a lower prevalence.
Defects in MEFV are the cause of familial Mediterranean fever autosomal dominant (ADFMF) [MIM:134610]. ADFMF is characterized by periodic fever, serosal inflammation and pain in the abdomen, chest or joints as seen also in the autosomal recessive form of the disease. It is associated with renal amyloidosis and characterized by colchicine unresponsiveness.
Similarity:
Contains 1 B box-type zinc finger.
Contains 1 B30.2/SPRY domain.
Contains 1 DAPIN domain.
SWISS:
O15553
Gene ID:
4210
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 4210 Human
Entrez Gene: 54483 Mouse
Omim: 608107 Human
SwissProt: O15553 Human
SwissProt: Q9JJ26 Mouse
Unigene: 632221 Human
Unigene: 143718 Mouse
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