Signaling pathways, tumors, senescence and developmental <?A3B2 pi6?>processes associated with AP-1 family

<p indent="0mm">Since <italic>JUN</italic> gene was discovered in 1986, the study of AP-1 family transcription factors has revealed its central role in cell signal transduction, tumorigenesis, developmental regulation and aging. AP-1 dynamically regulates gene expression networks by integrating MAPK (ERK, JNK, p38), NF-κB and NFAT signaling pathways. In tumors, AP-1 has a dual function: its family members promote cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, while some members (e.g., JunB, Fra-2) exhibit anticancer activity in some tumors, and their effects are highly dependent on the tumor microenvironment. At the developmental level, AP-1 influences nervous system construction and immune response by regulating glial cell differentiation and immune cell maturation (such as NK cells and T/B cells). The latest study found that AP-1, as a pioneer transcription factor, drives cellular aging processes by reshaping chromatin accessibility (such as chromatin opening mediated by ATF3), providing a new target for aging intervention. This paper systematically summarizes the multifunctional properties of AP-1 and emphasizes its potential value in disease mechanism analysis and precision therapy.