Suppression of cytokine signaling: the SOCS perspective

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2013 Jun;24(3):241-8. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.03.005. Epub 2013 Mar 30.

Abstract

The discovery of the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) family of proteins has resulted in a significant body of research dedicated to dissecting their biological functions and the molecular mechanisms by which they achieve potent and specific inhibition of cytokine and growth factor signaling. The Australian contribution to this field has been substantial, with the initial discovery of SOCS1 by Hilton, Starr and colleagues (discovered concurrently by two other groups) and the following work, providing a new perspective on the regulation of JAK/STAT signaling. In this review, we reflect on the critical discoveries that have lead to our current understanding of how SOCS proteins function and discuss what we see as important questions for future research.

Keywords: Cytokine; JAK; Receptor; SOCS; SOCS box.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases
  • STAT Transcription Factors / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / chemistry
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / physiology*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Janus Kinases