What is Fos and Jun?

The fos and jun proto-oncogenes are members of the set of genes known as cellular immediate-early genes. Their expression is induced transiently by a great variety of extracellular stimuli associated with mitogenesis, differentiation processes or depolarization of neurons.

Can Jun and Fos form a heterodimer?

The proteins encoded by the proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun (Fos and Jun, respectively) form a heterodimeric complex that regulates transcription by interacting with the DNA-regulatory element known as the activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding site.

What does c-fos stand for?

In the fields of molecular biology and genetics, c-fos is a proto-oncogene that is the human homolog of the retroviral oncogene v-fos. It was first discovered in rat fibroblasts as the transforming gene of the FBJ MSV (Finkel–Biskis–Jinkins murine osteogenic sarcoma virus) (Curran and Tech, 1982).

What do proto oncogenes normally do?

Introduction to Proto-oncogenes Often, proto-oncogenes encode proteins that function to stimulate cell division, inhibit cell differentiation, and halt cell death. All of these processes are important for normal human development and for the maintenance of tissues and organs.

How is c-Jun regulated?

Therefore, regulation of c-jun activity can be achieved through N-terminal phosphorylation by the Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs). It is shown that Jun’s activity (AP-1 activity) in stress-induced apoptosis and cellular proliferation is regulated by its N-terminal phosphorylation.

How is transcription factor c-Jun regulated?

The transcriptional activities of c-Jun, ATFs, and MEF2 are regulated upon phosphorylation by various protein kinases, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which have been implicated in vitro in the transcriptional regulation of c-jun (18, 23).

How long does c-Fos last?

Although the number of c-Fos positive cells was high at 60 min, a duration of 30 min was sufficient to induce expression in two regions, and a duration of 120 min resulted in a slight decline (Figure 6, brownish color bars).

What does C Jun stand for?

c-Jun is a protein that in humans is encoded by the JUN gene. c-Jun, in combination with c-Fos, forms the AP-1 early response transcription factor. It was first identified as the Fos-binding protein p39 and only later rediscovered as the product of the JUN gene.