Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
03:36

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 12, 2024

970

SOX2 and cancer: current research and its implications in the clinic

Kasia Weina1, Jochen Utikal1

  • 1Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany ; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68135 Mannheim, Germany.

Clinical and Translational Medicine
|August 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

SOX2, a gene crucial for embryonic stem cells, is increasingly linked to cancer. This review details SOX2

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • SOX2 encodes a transcription factor with a high-mobility group (HMG) domain, essential for embryonic stem cell function and cellular reprogramming.
  • Historically studied in development, SOX2's role in disease, particularly cancer, is a recent focus of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review SOX2's involvement in cancer biology, emphasizing recent findings.
  • To highlight SOX2's role in cellular signaling and cancer stem cells.
  • To explore SOX2's clinical implications as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SOX2 in cancer.
  • Focus on recent studies concerning cellular signaling pathways and cancer stem cells.
  • Analysis of SOX2's clinical relevance and potential applications.

Main Results:

  • SOX2 is amplified in various cancers and influences cancer cell physiology through complex signaling and interactions.
  • Recent research highlights SOX2's critical roles in cancer stem cell biology and signaling pathways.
  • Emerging evidence suggests SOX2's potential as a prognostic marker, indicator of metastasis, and therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

  • SOX2 is a significant factor in cancer pathogenesis, impacting cell signaling and stem cell properties.
  • Further research into SOX2's functions may lead to novel clinical applications in oncology.
Keywords:
BiomarkerCancerCancer stem cellsPrognosisReprogrammingSOX2Stem cell marker

More Related Videos

Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study07:50

Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study

Published on: April 18, 2025

1.2K
Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas07:00

Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas

Published on: February 28, 2019

5.3K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.0K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.4K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

2.6K
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...
7.8K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

1.5K
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...
3.6K