Proto-oncogene c-Fos (c-Fos)

Proto-oncogene c-Fos is a human gene encoding the c-Fos protein, a member of the Fos family of transcription factors, which includes FosB, Fra-1, and Fra-2. c-Fos forms a heterodimer with c-Jun to create the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex. This complex regulates target gene expression in response to diverse stimuli including growth factors, cytokines, and stress signals, thus orchestrating critical cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. c-Fos is classified as an "immediate early gene" due to its rapid and transient induction following cellular stimulation. It plays important roles in cancer biology—being overexpressed in various tumors—and in neuronal plasticity, where its expression is widely used as a marker for neuronal activation. The gene is rapidly degraded and tightly regulated through posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation. The essential, multifaceted role of c-Fos in normal physiology and disease states makes it a key focus in molecular oncology and neurobiology[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

FosFOS proto-oncogeneAPC-1 transcription factor subunitc-Fos/AP-1FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologFinkel–Biskis–Jinkins murine osteogenic sarcoma virus oncogene homologv-fos homolog

Drugs targeting c-Fos would likely modulate its activity within the AP-1 transcription factor complex, affecting its DNA binding, dimerization, or posttranslational modification (such as phosphorylation), thereby influencing downstream gene expression related to proliferation, survival, or differentiation[1][2]. (No approved direct inhibitors or modulators in clinical use as of the latest literature.)