Protein c-Fos

Protein c-Fos is a protein that in humans is encoded by the c-FOS gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the leucine zipper transcription factor family. The protein can dimerize with proteins of the JUN family, thereby forming the transcription factor complex AP-1. As such, the c-Fos protein has been implicated as a regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and transformation.

Function

In the nucleus, the c-Fos protein stimulates gene expression in response to a variety of stimuli, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and oncoproteins. The c-Fos protein is rapidly and transiently induced by both physiological and pathological stimuli, including growth factors, neurotransmitters, peptide hormones, stress, and infectious agents, thereby regulating the genes that are crucial to cellular functions such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the gene expression of c-Fos have been implicated in several human cancers, including osteosarcoma and lung cancer. Overexpression of c-Fos can induce cellular transformation, highlighting its role as a proto-oncogene.

See also

• FosB
• c-Jun
• AP-1

External links

• c-Fos at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Protein c-Fos Resources
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