SOCS3

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3 or SOCS-3) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the SOCS3 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the STAT-induced STAT inhibitor (SSI), also known as suppressor of cytokine signaling (is_associated_with::SOCS), family. SSI family members are cytokine-inducible negative regulators of cytokine signaling. The expression of this gene is induced by various cytokines, including IL6, IL10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. The protein encoded by this gene can bind to JAK2 kinase, and inhibit the activity of JAK2 kinase. For signaling of IL-6, Epo, GCSF and Leptin, binding of SOCS3 to the respective cytokine receptor has been found to be cruicial for the inhibitory function of SOCS3.

Function
SOCS3 contributes to both is_associated_with::leptin resistance and is_associated_with::insulin resistance as a result of increased is_associated_with::ceramide synthesis.

Studies of the mouse counterpart of this gene suggested the roles of this gene in the negative regulation of fetal liver is_associated_with::hematopoiesis, and placental development.

Interactions
SOCS3 has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::Erythropoietin receptor,
 * is_associated_with::Glycoprotein 130,
 * is_associated_with::Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor,
 * is_associated_with::Janus kinase 2,
 * is_associated_with::PTPN11, and
 * is_associated_with::RAS p21 protein activator 1.

Regulation
There is some evidence that the expression of SOCS3 is regulated by the microRNA miR-203.