FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as CGAS_HUMAN, CGAS, C6orf150, MB21D1. Nucleotidyltransferase that catalyzes the formation of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) from ATP and GTP and plays a key role in innate immunity (PubMed:23258413, PubMed:23707061, PubMed:23722159, PubMed:24077100, PubMed:25131990, PubMed:29976794, PubMed:30799039). Catalysis involves both the formation of a 2', 5' phosphodiester linkage at the GpA step and the formation of a 3', 5' phosphodiester linkage at the ApG step, producing c[G(2', 5')pA(3', 5')p] (PubMed:28363908, PubMed:28214358). Acts as a key cytosolic DNA sensor, the presence of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm being a danger signal that triggers the immune responses (PubMed:28363908). Binds cytosolic DNA directly, leading to activation and synthesis of cGAMP, a second messenger that binds to and activates TMEM173/STING, thereby triggering type-I interferon production (PubMed:28363908, PubMed:28314590). Preferentially recognizes and binds curved long DNAs (PubMed:30007416). In contrast to other mammals, human CGAS displays species-specific mechanisms of DNA recognition and produces less cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), allowing a more fine-tuned response to pathogens (PubMed:30007416). Has antiviral activity by sensing the presence of dsDNA from DNA viruses in the cytoplasm (PubMed:28363908). Also acts as an innate immune sensor of infection by retroviruses, such as HIV-1, by detecting the presence of reverse-transcribed DNA in the cytosol (PubMed:23929945). Detection of retroviral reverse-transcribed DNA in the cytosol may be indirect and be mediated via interaction with PQBP1, which directly binds reverse-transcribed retroviral DNA (PubMed:26046437). Also detects the presence of DNA from bacteria, such as M.tuberculosis (PubMed:26048138). cGAMP can be transferred from producing cells to neighboring cells through gap junctions, leading to promote TMEM173/STING activation and convey immune response to connecting cells (PubMed:24077100). cGAMP can also be transferred between cells by virtue of packaging within viral particles contributing to IFN-induction in newly infected cells in a cGAS-independent but TMEM173/STING-dependent manner (PubMed:26229115). In addition to antiviral activity, also involved in the response to cellular stresses, such as senescence, DNA damage or genome instability (PubMed:28738408, PubMed:28759889). Acts as a regulator of cellular senescence by binding to cytosolic chromatin fragments that are present in senescent cells, leading to trigger type-I interferon production via TMEM173/STING and promote cellular senescence (By similarity). Also involved in the inflammatory response to genome instability and double-stranded DNA breaks: acts by localizing to micronuclei arising from genome instability (PubMed:28738408, PubMed:28759889). Micronuclei, which as frequently found in cancer cells, consist of chromatin surrounded by its own nuclear membrane: following breakdown of the micronuclear envelope, a process associated with chromothripsis, CGAS binds self-DNA exposed to the cytosol, leading to cGAMP synthesis and subsequent activation of TMEM173/STING and type-I interferon production (PubMed:28738408, PubMed:28759889). Acts as a suppressor of DNA repair in response to DNA damage: translocates to the nucleus following dephosphorylation at Tyr-215 and inhibits homologous recombination repair by interacting with PARP1, the CGAS-PARP1 interaction leading to impede the formation of the PARP1-TIMELESS complex (PubMed:30356214). Monomer in the absence of DNA (PubMed:28363908). Homodimer in presence of dsDNA: forms a 2:2 dimer with two enzymes binding to two DNA molecules (PubMed:30007416, PubMed:30799039). Interacts with PQBP1 (via WW domain) (PubMed:26046437). Interacts with TRIM14; this interaction stabilizes CGAS and promotes type I interferon production (PubMed:27666593, PubMed:32404352). Interacts with ZCCHC3; promoting sensing of dsDNA by CGAS (PubMed:30135424). Interacts with PARP1; interaction takes place in the nucleus and prevents the formation of the PARP1-TIMELESS complex (PubMed:30356214).

EXTERNAL LINKS

CGAS

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase

CGAS

Molecular Synopsis