Title:Activating Protein-1 (AP-1): A Promising Target for the Treatment of
Fibrotic Diseases
Volume: 31
Issue: 7
Author(s): Zixin Pi, Xiangning Qiu, Jiani Liu, Yaqian Shi, Zhuotong Zeng*Rong Xiao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,
410011, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
Keywords:
Activating protein-1 (AP-1), fibrosis, cell signaling, extracellular matrix, activating protein-1 inhibitors, cytokine.
Abstract: The fibrosis of tissues and organs occurs via an aberrant tissue remodeling process
characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which can lead to
organ dysfunction, organ failure, and death. Because the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains
unclear and elusive, there is currently no medication to reverse it; hence, this process deserves
further study. Activating protein-1 (AP-1)-comprising Jun (c-Jun, JunB, JunD),
Fos (c-fos, FosB, Fra1, and Fra2), and activating transcription factor-is a versatile dimeric
transcription factor. Numerous studies have demonstrated that AP-1 plays a crucial
role in advancing tissue and organ fibrosis via induction of the expression of fibrotic
molecules and activating fibroblasts. This review focuses on the role of AP-1 in a range
of fibrotic disorders as well as on the antifibrotic effects of AP-1 inhibitors. It also discusses
the potential of AP-1 as a new therapeutic target in conditions involving tissue
and organ fibrosis.
