Nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1 (NAIF1)

Nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1 is a nuclear protein encoded by the NAIF1 gene (chromosome 9q34.11) featuring a Myb-like DNA-binding domain. It localizes to the nucleus and, when overexpressed, can induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase via regulation of key cell cycle proteins (such as cyclinD1, cdc2, and p21) and promote apoptosis in various cell lines. Decreased or lost expression of NAIF1 has been observed in gastric cancer tissues, supporting its role as a tumor suppressor. The molecular mechanisms involve altered expression of proteins implicated in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, signal transduction, and cellular stress response. The detailed mechanisms of its apoptotic action and therapeutic potential are still under investigation, but current findings position NAIF1 as a possible tumor suppressor with relevance to cancer diagnostics and therapy. NAIF1 does not correspond to the similarly named apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) that is a mitochondrial oxidoreductase; NAIF1 is distinct, nuclear-localized, and contains a Myb-like domain. Downregulation of NAIF1 is associated with gastric cancer; high expression is seen in normal gastric tissue but not in cancerous tissue, and higher expression correlates with better differentiation in tumors.

Other names

C9orf90DKFZp762G199bA379C10.2nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1NAIF1