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Unravelling the tumor-suppressive functions of FOXO proteins

Tobias B Dansen1, Boudewijn M T Burgering

  • 1Department of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Trends in Cell Biology
|August 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors function as tumor suppressors by regulating cell death and DNA repair. Recent studies confirm FOXO proteins inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors are known for roles in cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, and reactive oxygen species scavenging.
  • These functions suggest FOXO proteins act as tumor suppressors.
  • Recent animal studies support the tumor-suppressive role of FOXO proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss recent advances in understanding the roles of FOXO family members in tumor suppression.
  • To explore the potential of FOXO proteins in regulating tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent animal model studies.
  • Analysis of literature on FOXO protein functions in cancer.
  • Discussion of FOXO involvement in hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling.

Main Results:

  • Animal models confirm FOXO proteins possess tumor-suppressive functions.
  • FOXO proteins are implicated in the negative regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling.
  • This suggests FOXO proteins may inhibit tumor formation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • FOXO proteins are confirmed tumor suppressors.
  • FOXO proteins play a role in suppressing tumor angiogenesis and potentially metastasis.
  • Further research into FOXO family members could yield new cancer therapies.

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