C-Fms protein, also known as Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 Receptor (CSF-1R), is a type of cell surface receptor protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It belongs to the class of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes involved in transferring phosphate groups from ATP to specific tyrosine residues in target proteins.
The c-Fms protein is primarily expressed on the surface of monocytes, macrophages, and osteoclasts, which are a type of bone-resorbing cells. It functions as a receptor for Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1), a cytokine that induces the formation and differentiation of macrophages and monocytes. Upon binding of CSF-1 to its receptor, the c-Fms protein undergoes a series of molecular events, including autophosphorylation of its intracellular tyrosine residues. This phosphorylation activates various downstream signaling pathways, leading to cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
Dysregulation or mutations in the c-Fms protein can have significant physiological implications. For example, overexpression of c-Fms is observed in certain cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, mutations in the c-Fms protein have been linked to diseases like osteopetrosis, a genetic disorder characterized by impaired bone resorption.
In summary, c-Fms protein is a cell surface receptor that functions as the receptor for CSF-1, and its activation plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and immune response.
