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The Primate-Specific Presence of Interferon Regulatory Factor-5 Pseudogene 1
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  • Avery Marquis,
  • Vanessa Hubing,
  • Chanasei Ziemann,
  • Etsuko N. Moriyama,
  • Luwen Zhang
Avery Marquis
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Vanessa Hubing
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Chanasei Ziemann
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Etsuko N. Moriyama
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Luwen Zhang
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Corresponding Author:lzhang2@unl.edu

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Abstract

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key transcription factor regulating inflammatory cytokines and interferons, with its dysregulation linked to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Pseudogenes can exhibit gene regulatory functions. This study investigates the human IRF5 pseudogene 1 (IRF5P1) and its potential role in primate-specific innate immunity. We find that IRF5P1 is a chimeric processed pseudogene containing sequences derived from multiple sources and is specific to higher primates, such as apes and humans. Our analyses suggest that IRF5P1 arose through an ancient retroviral integration event, incorporating an IRF5-like sequence from a disparate organism. Interestingly, IRF5P1 resides within the triple QxxK/R motif containing (TRIQK) gene, and its antisense strand is predominantly expressed as part of the TRIQK pre-mRNA. We propose that the antisense IRF5P1 RNA may regulate IRF5 expression through complementary binding to the IRF5 mRNA, with variants in the IRF5 gene potentially modulating this interaction. The conservation of IRF5P1 in the primate lineage suggests its positive effects on primate evolution and innate immunity. This study highlights the importance of investigating pseudogenes and their potential regulatory roles in shaping lineage-specific immune adaptations.
Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
Submission Checks Completed
Assigned to Editor
Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Jun 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Jul 20241st Revision Received
01 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
01 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
01 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Accept