Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis
09:58

Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis

Published on: June 27, 2020

The forkhead factor FOXL2: a novel tumor suppressor?

Bérénice A Benayoun1, Nicolas Kalfa, Charles Sultan

  • 1Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592-CNRS, 15 rue Hélène Brion, Paris, France.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|September 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

FOXL2 gene mutations are linked to ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs). Reduced FOXL2 expression and specific mutations suggest it may function as a tumor suppressor in OGCT development.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • FOXL2 is a forkhead transcription factor gene.
  • Germline mutations in FOXL2 cause blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome.
  • Reduced FOXL2 expression was observed in juvenile ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of FOXL2 in adult OGCTs.
  • To understand the functional impact of the recurring p.Cys134Trp somatic mutation in FOXL2.
  • To evaluate FOXL2 as a potential tumor suppressor in OGCTs.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-transcriptome sequencing of adult OGCTs.
  • Analysis of FOXL2 expression levels in tumor samples.
  • Review of existing literature on FOXL2 targets and partners.

Main Results:

  • A recurrent somatic mutation (p.Cys134Trp) in FOXL2 was identified in adult OGCTs.
  • This mutation may enhance tumor cell proliferation or survival.
  • FOXL2's known target genes and molecular partners are frequently associated with cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • FOXL2 may act as a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian granulosa cell tumors.
  • The identified FOXL2 mutation is significant for OGCT pathogenesis.
  • Further research into FOXL2's role in cancer is warranted.

More Related Videos

Monitoring Hippo Signaling Pathway Activity Using a Luciferase-based Large Tumor Suppressor (LATS) Biosensor07:16

Monitoring Hippo Signaling Pathway Activity Using a Luciferase-based Large Tumor Suppressor (LATS) Biosensor

Published on: September 13, 2018

Investigating Protein-protein Interactions in Live Cells Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer11:46

Investigating Protein-protein Interactions in Live Cells Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Published on: May 26, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...