FAS (apoptosis-mediating surface antigen) is mainly responsible for apoptotic signaling. It interacts with the ligand, Fas ligand (FasL), to initiate signaling events leading to cell death. Disturbances in the expression of Fas are associated with cancer development. Mutation in the gene might be associated with coronary artery disease.
[1][2] FAS plays a significant role in diabetic retinopathy in diabetes mellitus patients. This is due to AGE (advanced glycation end-product)-associated apoptosis via Fas/FasL. FAS might also be involved with the pathogenesis of pulmonary edema in Plasmodium falciparum-infected malaria patients by regulating cell death in the lungs.
[3][4]