ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the utility of selective Fos induction systems for identifying novel activator protein (AP-1)-regulated genes. Identification of AP-1-regulated genes by promoter analyses is not only time consuming, but also biased, as initial information is required to suggest transcriptional regulation by AP-1. Introducing conditional Fos activity into cells could, therefore, provide a greatly simplified system that would facilitate identification of endogenous AP-1-regulated genes. The chapter shows that the Fit-1 gene also codes for a membrane-based protein which is homologous to the entire protein of the type I interleukin-1 receptor. It describes the utility of selective induction systems to identify Fos target genes. Fos induction systems, therefore, facilitate the identification of genes that depend solely on increased AP-1 activity for their transcriptional stimulation. Identification of AP-1-regulated genes by promoter analyses is not only time consuming, but also biased, as initial information is required to suggest transcriptional regulation by AP-1.
