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Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling

Meaning

Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) are a family of crucial intracellular proteins that function as critical negative feedback regulators of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which is activated by various cytokines and hormones. These proteins are essential for preventing excessive or prolonged immune and inflammatory responses, thereby maintaining vital cellular and systemic homeostasis. In endocrinology, specific SOCS proteins play a key role in regulating the sensitivity of cells to metabolic hormones like leptin, insulin, and growth hormone.