A number of observations, including increased expression of FMR1 in a variety of cancers, support a role of FMR1 in the development of some types of cancer. FMR1 encodes a component of an RNA-binding complex that binds to the mRNA cap and mediates translational repression. There is a single fly ortholog, Dmel\Fmr1, for which classical amorphic and hypomorphic alleles, RNAi-targeting constructs, and alleles caused by insertional mutagenesis have been generated. Dmel\Fmr1 is also orthologous to two additional human genes, FXR1 and FXR2.
Multiple different UAS constructs of the human gene Hsap\FMR1 have been introduced into flies. These have been used to investigate fragile-X-related syndromes (FBhh0000123), which are caused by loss of FMR1 function.
The Drosophila imaginal wing disc has been used to investigate the role of Dmel\Fmr1 in this epithelial tissue. Overexpression of Fmr1 results in phenotypes indicative of cell death and an up-regulation of the JNK pathway; cell migration across compartment boundaries occurs. Also observed are increased expression of a matrix metalloprotease and degradation of the basement membrane, both of which occur during malignant tumorigenesis. Extensive physical and genetic interactions of Dmel\Fmr1 have been described; see below and in the gene report for Fmr1.
[updated Apr. 2018 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]
FMR1 is almost ubiquitously expressed, suggesting that, in addition to its functions in the brain, it may have fundamental roles in other organs. Increased expression of FMR1 has been reported in a number of cancers, while a decreased risk of cancer has been reported in patients with fragile X syndrome (Luca, et al., 2013, pubmed:24092663 and references cited therein).
The protein encoded by FMR1 has been shown to bind mRNAs involved in epithelial mesenchymal transition and invasion (Luca, et al., 2013; pubmed:24092663).
The FMR1 protein is part of an RNA-binding complex that binds to the mRNA cap and mediates translational repression; may also play a role in intracellular transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. [UniProt:Q06787; 2016.01.15]
Many to one: 3 human to 1 Drosophila. Three human genes, FMR1, FXR1 and FXR2, are orthologous to the fly gene Dmel\Fmr1.
Moderate-scoring ortholog of human gene FMR1, FXR1 and FXR2 (1 Drosophila to 3 human). Dmel\Fmr1 shares 36-38% identity and 51-53% similarity with the 3 human genes.