Overview:

FOS is a member of the FOS gene family that consists of 4 members: FOS, FOSB, FOSL1, and FOSL2. FOS gene encodes a leucine zipper protein that can dimerize with proteins of the JUN family, thereby forming the transcription factor complex AP-1. FOS proteins have been implicated as regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and transformation (1). In some cases, expression of the FOS gene has also been associated with apoptotic cell death. FOS overexpression leads to decreased phosphorylation and dimerization of STAT1, which in turn downregulates p21 gene expression (2). This regulatory pathway may enhance the proliferation of lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Gene Aliases:

c-FOS

Genbank Number:

NM_005252

References:

1. Saez, E. et al: c-fos is required for malignant progression of skin tumors. Cell 82: 721-732, 1995.

2. Hikasa, M. et al: p21(waf1/cip1) is down-regulated in conjunction with up-regulation of c-Fos in the lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 304: 143-147, 2003.