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Updated: May 15, 2026

A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
Published on: March 19, 2021
FOXOs: signalling integrators for homeostasis maintenance
Astrid Eijkelenboom1, Boudewijn M T Burgering
1Molecular Cancer Research, Division Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Stratenum, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis and metabolism. In model organisms, FOXO activity also affects stem cell maintenance and lifespan as well as age-related diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. Multiple upstream pathways regulate FOXO activity through post-translational modifications and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of both FOXO and its regulators. The diversity of this upstream regulation and the downstream effects of FOXOs suggest that they function as homeostasis regulators to maintain tissue homeostasis over time and coordinate a response to environmental changes, including growth factor deprivation, metabolic stress (starvation) and oxidative stress.
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