TRIM14 expression is regulated by IRF-1 and IRF-2

Tripartite motif-containing 14 (TRIM14) is a mitochondrial adaptor that promotes innate immune signaling and plays important roles in antiviral defense. Expression of TRIM14 is induced by interferon (IFN)-I. However, the mechanism by which IFN-I induces TRIM14 production is not yet determined. In this study, we have examined the function of TRIM14 promoter and found that a GC box and an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) are necessary for the basal level transcription of TRIM14. We further observed that IFN-I activates the TRIM14 promoter through the ISRE. In particular, interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 and IRF-2 bind to the TRIM14 promoter and activate transcription of TRIM14. Moreover, knockdown of IRF-1 reduces the stimulation of TRIM14 transcription by IFN-alpha, suggesting that IRF-1 is involved in the activation of TRIM14 by IFN-I. IRF-2 has little effect on IFN-alpha-induced TRIM14 transcription but is essential for the basal transcription of TRIM14.