Fractalkine is a transmembrane protein and chemokine involved in the adhesion and migration of leukocytes. The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for fractalkine. The encoded protein also is a coreceptor for HIV-1, and some variations in this gene lead to increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and rapid progression to AIDS. Four transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2010]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the CX3CR1 mRNA expression increased steadily after closed head injury, peaking with a significant fourfold elevation at one week post-injury compared to sham-operated controls [Rancan et al. DOI:10.01.WCB.0000133470.91843.72]. In a separate study on spinal cord injury in mice, the CX3CR1 was specifically expressed in sorted microglial populations, serving as a validated assay control marker to confirm the purity of fluorescence-activated cell sorting [Stewart et al. DOI:10.1186/s12974-021-02161-8]. A study in mice demonstrated that loss of the CX3CR1 inhibited macrophage recruitment and myofibroblast function in skin wounds, indicating its essential role in the healing process [Kondo et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Forsciint.2010.07.004].