Mcrs1, also known as Microspherule protein 1 or MSP58, is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular processes. It is a component of the nonspecific lethal (NSL) complex and the chromatin remodeling INO80 complex, participating in transcriptional regulation during mitosis. Mcrs1 is crucial for normal development, cell cycle regulation, and has implications in diseases like cancer [2,3,4,5,6]. Genetic models, such as KO/CKO mouse models, have been instrumental in studying its functions.

In mouse oocytes, Mcrs1 depletion leads to G2/M transition delay and abnormal spindle assembly, indicating its role in cell cycle regulation and spindle organization during meiosis [2]. In early mouse embryogenesis, Mcrs1 mutant embryos show normal blastocyst morphology but fail to implant, with compromised epiblast lineage development [4]. In craniofacial development, Mcrs1 knockdown affects the expression of genes related to otic vesicles and branchial arches, leading to cartilage formation defects [3]. In solid tumors, MCRS1 can augment MHC-I expression, sensitizing cancer cells to T cell immunity and α-PD-1 therapy [1]. In gastric cancer, high MCRS1 expression is associated with increased tumor activity and poor patient survival [5].

In summary, Mcrs1 plays essential roles in cell cycle regulation, embryonic development, and craniofacial cartilage formation. In disease areas, its function in modulating tumor-immune interactions in solid tumors and influencing tumor activity in gastric cancer is significant. Studies using KO/CKO mouse models have greatly enhanced our understanding of Mcrs1's biological functions and its implications in disease.