In molecular and cell biology, the term Fas ligand (denoted FasL)and
Fas receptor are often found in conjunction with the regulation of
cell apoptosis.  What is the origination of the term Fas and what do
the letters stand for?

Hi jeff100:

Thanks for the challenging question. finding the answer took a lot
more searching than I thought it would.

The term FAS, when used in genetic terms like "Fas ligand" stands for
"Fatty Acid Synthase".

Some places where this is listed include: 

Manipulation of Lipid Metabolism Aimed at Production of Fatty Acids
and Polyketides for Industrial Use and for Application in Functional
Foods
URL: http://www.nf-2000.org/secure/Air/F211.htm 

The Human Fatty Acid Synthase Gene and De Novo Lipogenesis Are
Coordinately Regulated in Human Adipose Tissue
URL: http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/5/1032

Search Strategy (on Google):
* "fas ligand"
* fas cd95
* "fas gene" named
* "fas gene" discovered
* "fatty acid snythase"
* "fatty acid synthase" FasL
* "fatty acid synthase" ligand

I hope this helps!

websearcher

"F" stands for fragment (e.g., the active site of antibodies are Fab
regions, for "antigen binding fragment"). Fas then stands for
apoptosis stimulating fragment or something like that. Fatty Acid
Synthase is an entirely different enzyme found on the inside of a cell
in the cytoplasm. (It goes to show the futility of the google answer
people who know nothing about the topic answering your questions.)