Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3)

SOCS-3 is an SH2-containing protein that binds to the activation loop of Janus kinases, inhibiting kinase activity and thereby suppressing cytokine signaling. It is a member of the STAT-induced STAT inhibitor (SSI). To date, there are eight members of SOCS family that have been recognized. Structurally, the SOCS proteins are composed of an N terminal region of variable length and amino acid composition, a central SH2 domain and a previously unrecognized C-terminal motif that has been called the SOCS box. The expression of the SOCS-3 gene is induced by various cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Studies of the mouse counterpart of the SOCS-3 gene suggested this gene is involved in the negative regulation of fetal liver hematopoiesis, and placental development.