The c-fms proto-oncogene, also known as the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor, is a gene that is widely expressed in different tissues and organs of the human body. It encodes a cell surface receptor protein called CSF1R (colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor), which plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, cell growth, and differentiation.
As a proto-oncogene, c-fms has the potential to become an oncogene, a gene that, when mutated or overexpressed, can lead to the development of cancer. Mutations in the c-fms proto-oncogene have been associated with certain types of leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These mutations can result in the activation of CSF1R signaling, which promotes the proliferation and survival of cancer cells, leading to the progression of the disease.
The CSF1R protein acts as a receptor for colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) or macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), a cytokine involved in the regulation of immune responses and cellular functions. When CSF1 binds to CSF1R, it activates various signaling pathways inside the cell, leading to the activation of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival.
Understanding the role of the c-fms proto-oncogene, its associated mutations, and the signaling pathways it regulates can provide valuable insights into the development of targeted therapies for cancers associated with CSF1R pathway dysregulation.
