AP-1: one switch for many signals

Abstract

The transcription factor AP-1 is activated in response to an incredible array of stimuli, including mitogenic growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, growth factors of the TGF-beta family, UV and ionizing irradiation, cellular stress, antigen binding, and neoplastic transformation. In this review, I discuss genetic evidence that supports a role for AP-1 in the cellular response to some of these stimuli and describe biochemical properties that might explain the ability of this transcription factor to activate different sets of genes in response to different stimuli.