Anti-ILF3

This gene encodes a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein that complexes with other proteins, dsRNAs, small noncoding RNAs, and mRNAs to regulate gene expression and stabilize mRNAs. This protein (NF90, ILF3) forms a heterodimer with a 45 kDa transcription factor (NF45, ILF2) required for T-cell expression of interleukin 2. This complex has been shown to affect the redistribution of nuclear mRNA to the cytoplasm. Knockdown of NF45 or NF90 protein retards cell growth, possibly by inhibition of mRNA stabilization. In contrast, an isoform (NF110) of this gene that is predominantly restricted to the nucleus has only minor effects on cell growth when its levels are reduced. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. Protein function: RNA-binding protein that plays an essential role in the biogenesis of circular RNAs (circRNAs) which are produced by back- splicing circularization of pre-mRNAs. Within the nucleus, promotes circRNAs processing by stabilizing the regulatory elements residing in the flanking introns of the circularized exons. Plays thereby a role in the back-splicing of a subset of circRNAs (PubMed:28625552). As a consequence, participates in a wide range of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. Binds to poly-U elements and AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs (PubMed:14731398). Upon viral infection, ILF3 accumulates in the cytoplasm and participates in the innate antiviral response (PubMed:21123651). Mechanistically, ILF3 becomes phosphorylated and activated by the double-stranded RNA- activated protein kinase/PKR which releases ILF3 from cellular mature circRNAs. In turn, unbound ILF3 molecules are able to interact with and thus inhibit viral mRNAs (PubMed:21123651, PubMed:28625552). [The UniProt Consortium]