The interferon induced transmembrane protein 1 (Ifitm1): detailed analysis on its assumed functions

Several functions have been suggested for the interferon induced transmembrane protein 1 (Iftitm1) gene in mammals. Originally it was identified as a member of a gene family that is highly inducible by type I and type II inteferons. Based on its expression during primordial germ CELl (PGC) specification it was suggested to be required for normal PGC migration. Ifitm1 targeted knockdown experiments in mouse embryos provided evidence that the gene might be necessary for normal somitogenesis. Finally, the complete deletion of the Ifitm gene cluster on mouse chromosome 7 revealed that the five deleted Ifitm1 genes are not essential for PCG migration and fertility. Here, we generated a novel targeted knockin allele of the Ifitm1 gene by replacing its coding region with a lacZ reporter gene to systematically reassess the suggested functions of this gene.

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Klymiuk I, Kenner L, Adler T, Busch DH, Boersma A, Irmler M, Fridrich B, Gailus-Durner V, Fuchs H, Leitner N, Müller M, Kühn R, Schlederer M, Treise I, de Angelis MH, Beckers J