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Growth factor-induced gene expression: the ups and downs of c-fos regulation
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Abstract:
Many growth factor-inducible immediate-early genes, including c-fos, encode transcription factors that are believed to propagate the mitogenic signal by activating a program of gene expression critical for cell proliferation. This review summarizes work aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which a growth factor-induced signal effects a change in gene expression. In the case of c-fos, both the activation and repression of transcription are mediated by the serum response element, a dyad symmetrical sequence found upstream of the c-fos gene. This element binds a complex of proteins, a component(s) of which may be the target of the growth factor-induced signal. Recent progress made towards understanding the roles of these factors in the regulation of c-fos transcription will be described.
Insights
Growth factors trigger immediate-early genes like c-fos, which encode transcription factors crucial for cell proliferation. This review details how growth factor signals alter gene expression via the c-fos serum response element and its protein complex.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- Immediate-early genes, such as c-fos, are rapidly induced by growth factors.
- These genes encode transcription factors that regulate cell proliferation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of growth factor signaling is crucial for cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms underlying growth factor-induced gene expression changes.
- To elucidate the role of the c-fos gene in propagating mitogenic signals.
- To describe recent advancements in understanding c-fos transcription regulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on growth factor signaling pathways.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating c-fos gene expression.
- Focus on the role of the serum response element and associated protein complexes.
Main Results:
- Growth factor signals induce immediate-early genes, including c-fos, which are key to cell proliferation.
- The serum response element (SRE) upstream of the c-fos gene is central to both transcriptional activation and repression.
- A protein complex binds to the SRE, and its components are potential targets of growth factor-induced signals.
Conclusions:
- The c-fos gene and its regulatory elements are critical nodes in mitogenic signaling pathways.
- The serum response element and its associated protein complex represent a key interface for growth factor-mediated gene expression changes.
- Further research into these factors will enhance our understanding of cell proliferation control.