Serum response factor (SRF) (SRF)

Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitous transcription factor and a member of the MADS-box family that plays a central role in regulating the expression of genes involved in the cytoskeleton, cell motility, and the cell cycle [UniProt: P11831]. It functions by binding to the CArG box sequence in the promoter regions of target genes, often in complex with coactivators such as Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) or Ternary Complex Factors (TCFs) [PubMed: 21441306]. SRF is essential for the development and maintenance of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle tissues, making it a critical regulator of myogenic programs [PubMed: 25614457]. In disease states, SRF is frequently dysregulated; its overexpression is linked to cancer progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis, as well as the development of organ fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy [PubMed: 21441306, PubMed: 25614457]. While transcription factors are traditionally challenging to target, experimental small molecules like CCG-1423 have been developed to inhibit the SRF/MRTF signaling axis by preventing the nuclear translocation or binding of coactivators [PubMed: 24658273]. These inhibitors show promise in preclinical models for treating fibrotic diseases and preventing cancer cell invasion.

Other names

SRFSerum response factorMCM1-like protein

Inhibition of SRF-mediated transcription by disrupting the interaction between SRF and its coactivators, such as Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs), or by preventing their nuclear translocation.