The multifaceted functions of cGAS

Abstract

Pattern recognition receptors are critical for the sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns or danger-associated molecular patterns and subsequent mounting of innate immunity and shaping of adaptive immunity. The identification of 2'3'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) as a major cytosolic DNA receptor is a milestone in the field of DNA sensing. The engagement of cGAS by double-stranded DNA from different origins, including invading pathogens, damaged mitochondria, ruptured micronuclei, and genomic DNA results in the generation of cGAMP and activation of stimulator of interferon genes, which thereby activates innate immunity mainly characterized by the activation of type I interferon response. In recent years, great progress has been made in understanding the subcellular localization and novel functions of cGAS. In this review, we particularly focus on summarizing the multifaceted roles of cGAS in regulating senescence, autophagy, cell stemness, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, antitumor effect, DNA replication, DNA damage repair, micronucleophagy, as well as cell metabolism.

Keywords: DNA sensing; cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS); innate immunity; micronucleophagy; stimulator of interferon genes (STING).