Serum response factor

Serum response factor, also known as SRF, is a is_associated_with::transcription factor.

Function
Serum response factor is a member of the MADS (MCM1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF) box superfamily of transcription factors. This protein binds to the serum response element (SRE) in the promoter region of target genes. This protein regulates the activity of many is_associated_with::immediate early genes, for example is_associated_with::c-fos, and thereby participates in is_associated_with::cell cycle regulation, is_associated_with::apoptosis, cell growth, and cell differentiation. This gene is the downstream target of many pathways; for example, the is_associated_with::mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) that acts through the ternary complex factors (TCFs).

SRF is important during the development of the embryo, as it has been linked to the formation of is_associated_with::mesoderm. In the fully developed mammal, SRF is crucial for the growth of skeletal muscle. Interaction of SRF with other proteins, such as is_associated_with::steroid hormone receptors, may contribute to regulation of muscle growth by is_associated_with::steroids. 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.

Clinical significance
Lack of skin SRF is associated with is_associated_with::psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Interactions
Serum response factor has been shown to interact with:


 * is_associated_with::ASCC3,
 * is_associated_with::ATF6,
 * is_associated_with::CEBPB,
 * is_associated_with::CREB-binding protein,
 * is_associated_with::ELK4,
 * is_associated_with::GATA4,
 * is_associated_with::GTF2F1,
 * is_associated_with::GTF2I,
 * is_associated_with::Myogenin,
 * is_associated_with::NFYA,
 * is_associated_with::Nuclear receptor co-repressor 2,
 * is_associated_with::Promyelocytic leukemia protein and
 * Src, and
 * is_associated_with::TEAD1.