FOS GENES Meaning and
Definition
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FOS genes refer to a group of genes that code for the Fos family of proteins, which are transcription factors involved in regulating gene expression. The term "fos" is derived from "Feline Osteosarcoma," as the first fos gene, c-fos, was initially discovered in cats as the result of a genetic study on osteosarcoma.
Fos genes are eukaryotic genes found in various organisms, including humans. They encode proteins that belong to the immediate-early gene family, meaning that their expression rapidly increases in response to extracellular signals or stimuli. Fos proteins form heterodimers with other proteins, particularly members of the Jun family, to create a transcription factor complex known as AP-1 (Activator Protein-1).
These Fos proteins play critical roles in diverse cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and response to various environmental stimuli. Activated by growth factors, hormones, cytokines, and stress signals, Fos proteins bind to specific DNA sequences within promoter regions of target genes. By binding to the AP-1 DNA recognition element, Fos proteins modulate the expression of downstream target genes, either by enhancing or repressing their transcription.
Research has identified c-fos, FosB, Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1), and Fos-related antigen 2 (Fra-2) as the main members of the Fos family. Each member has distinct functions and is expressed in different tissues and cell types. Dysregulation of Fos genes has been found to be associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and immune system dysfunction.
Common Misspellings for FOS GENES
- dos genes
- cos genes
- vos genes
- gos genes
- tos genes
- ros genes
- fps genes
- f0s genes
- f9s genes
- foa genes
- foz genes
- fox genes
- fod genes
- foe genes
- fow genes
- fos fenes
- fos venes
- fos benes
- fos henes
- fos yenes
Etymology of FOS GENES
The phrase "fos genes" appears to be a combination of two separate terms, "fos" and "genes".
"Fos" is a component of the name given to a family of genes called "FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene", which have been identified in research related to cancer and cell growth. The term "fos" is derived from the abbreviation of the Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins (FBJ) murine osteosarcoma virus, which was discovered in the early 1980s.
On the other hand, "genes" is derived from the Greek word "genos" meaning "birth", "origin", or "race". It refers to the units of heredity passed down from one generation to another, responsible for transmitting genetic information and traits.
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