Serum response factor, also known as SRF, is a transcription factor protein. [5]
Serum response factor is a member of the MADS (MCM1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF) box superfamily of transcription factors. [6] This protein binds to the serum response element (SRE) in the promoter region of target genes. This protein regulates the activity of many immediate early genes, for example c-fos, and thereby participates in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, cell growth, and cell differentiation. This gene is the downstream target of many pathways; for example, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) that acts through the ternary complex factors (TCFs). [7] [8]
SRF is important during the development of the embryo, as it has been linked to the formation of mesoderm. [9] [10] In the fully developed mammal, SRF is crucial for the growth of skeletal muscle. [11] Interaction of SRF with other proteins, such as steroid hormone receptors, may contribute to regulation of muscle growth by steroids. [12] Interaction of SRF with other proteins such as myocardin or Elk-1 may enhance or suppress expression of genes important for growth of vascular smooth muscle.
Lack of skin SRF is associated with psoriasis and other skin diseases. [13]
Serum response factor has been shown to interact with:
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine (), which is in the public domain.