Gm614 is a novel uncharacterized protein. It is highly expressed in germinal center (GC) B cells from lupus-prone mice. Its essential function is to protect GC B cells from death, and it does so by suppressing caspase-1 transcription. This regulation is associated with the cell proliferation and death pathways in autoimmune diseases [1].

In a study using gene knockout models, ablation of the GC B-cell-specific Gm614 promoted GC B-cell death and mitigation of autoimmune symptoms. Conversely, overexpression protected GC B cells from death and exacerbated autoimmune symptoms. Mechanistically, nuclear-localized Gm614 reduces caspase-1 expression in GC B cells by binding with the caspase-1 promoter to suppress its activation [1].

In conclusion, Gm614 plays a crucial role in protecting GC B cells from death via suppressing caspase-1 transcription in autoimmune diseases. The gene knockout mouse models have been instrumental in revealing its role in the context of autoimmune symptoms, providing insights into the cell proliferation mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases.

References:

1. He, Youdi, Xu, Ruonan, Zhai, Bing, Wang, Xiaoqian, Wang, Renxi. 2020. Gm614 Protects Germinal Center B Cells From Death by Suppressing Caspase-1 Transcription in Lupus-Prone Mice. In Frontiers in immunology, 11, 585726. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.585726. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33193409/