Cellular Fos Proto-Oncogene (c-Fos)

c-Fos is an immediate early gene (IEG) encoding a leucine zipper transcription factor. It is rapidly and transiently induced in response to various stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, and stress. c-Fos forms heterodimers with other proteins, such as c-Jun, to create the AP-1 transcription factor complex, which regulates the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In neuroscience, c-Fos is widely used as a marker of neuronal activation, allowing researchers to map brain regions activated by specific stimuli or behaviors. Its expression in the spinal trigeminal nucleus is indicative of sensory processing, particularly nociception, from the face and oral cavity.

Other names

FosProto-oncogene c-FosAP-1 transcription factor subunit c-Fos

c-Fos is not typically directly targeted by drugs. Its expression is modulated indirectly through upstream signaling pathways.