SOCS1 in cancer: An oncogene and a tumor suppressor

Cytokine. 2016 Jun:82:87-94. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.01.005. Epub 2016 Jan 19.

Abstract

The Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1) has been extensively investigated in immune cells where it works as a potent inhibitor of inflammation by negative feedback regulation of the cytokine-activated JAK-STAT signaling pathways. SOCS1 is also recognized as a tumor suppressor in numerous cancers and its critical functional relevance in non-immune cells, including epithelial cells, has just begun to emerge. Most notably, conflicting results from clinical and experimental studies suggest that SOCS1 may function as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter, in a cell context-dependent manner. Here, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying SOCS1 function as a tumor suppressor and discuss the emerging evidences of SOCS1 activity as an oncogene.

Keywords: Cancer; Colorectal cancer; Cytokine; Oncogene; SOCS1; Tumor suppressor.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Oncogenes*
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein* / genetics
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein* / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins* / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • SOCS1 protein, human
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

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