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. 1992 Jan 1;89(1):157–161. doi: 10.1073/pnas.89.1.157

Transcription factor AP-1 activity is required for initiation of DNA synthesis and is lost during cellular aging.

K Riabowol 1, J Schiff 1, M Z Gilman 1
PMCID: PMC48195  PMID: 1729683

Abstract

Activation of the AP-1 complex of transcription factors is one of the earliest nuclear responses to mitogenic stimuli. We demonstrate directly that AP-1 activity is required for human cells to proliferate in response to serum. We also find that activity of the AP-1 complex is selectively reduced in old human fibroblasts prior to their entering a fully senescent state. Levels of Fos protein induced through diverse signal transduction pathways, the amount of AP-1 DNA binding activity in vitro, and the activity of an AP-1-dependent reporter gene in vivo are substantially decreased as fibroblasts age. Moreover, the composition of the AP-1 complex changes, so that old cells produce predominantly Jun-Jun homodimers instead of Fos-Jun heterodimers. Changes in AP-1 activity may be due in part to changes in posttranslational modification of Fos protein that impair its ability to form active DNA-binding heterodimers with Jun. These data suggest that changes in AP-1 activity may contribute to the inability of senescent cells to proliferate in response to mitogens.

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