Pathway: Activation of the AP-1 family of transcription factors
Reactions in pathway: Activation of the AP-1 family of transcription factors :
Activation of the AP-1 family of transcription factors
Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a collective term referring to a group of transcription factors that bind to promoters of target genes in a sequence-specific manner. AP-1 family consists of hetero- and homodimers of bZIP (basic region leucine zipper) proteins, mainly of Jun-Jun, Jun-Fos or Jun-ATF.
AP-1 members are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, differentiation, cell migration. The ability of a single transcription factor to determine a cell fate critically depends on the relative abundance of AP-1 subunits, the composition of AP-1 dimers, the quality of stimulus, the cell type, the co-factor assembly.
AP-1 activity is regulated on multiple levels; transcriptional, translational and post-translational control mechanisms contribute to the balanced production of AP-1 proteins and their functions. Briefly, regulation occurs through:
- effects on jun, fos, atf gene transcription and mRNA turnover.
- AP-1 protein members turnover.
- post-translational modifications of AP-1 proteins that modulate their transactivation potential (effect of protein kinases or phosphatases).
- interactions with other transcription factors that can either induce or interfere with AP-1 activity.
Innate immunity encompases the nonspecific part of immunity tha are part of an individual's natural biologic makeup
Humans are exposed to millions of potential pathogens daily, through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Our ability to avoid infection depends on the adaptive immune system and during the first critical hours and days of exposure to a new pathogen, our innate immune system.