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Mechanisms controlling the anti-neoplastic functions of FoxO proteins

Tianyun Hou1, Zhiming Li1, Ying Zhao2

  • 1Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|November 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Forkhead box O (FoxO) proteins are key tumor suppressors regulating cancer cell death, metabolism, and immunity. Understanding their dual role is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies targeting FoxO signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Forkhead box O (FoxO) proteins are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors.
  • FoxO proteins primarily function as tumor suppressors.
  • They regulate critical cellular processes including apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, cell-cycle arrest, oxidative stress, and DNA damage response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the essential biological functions of FoxO proteins in cancer.
  • To explore the potential of targeting FoxO signaling pathways for novel cancer therapeutics.
  • To highlight the dual role of FoxO proteins in cancer suppression and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of FoxO protein functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of FoxO's involvement in cancer immunity and cancer stem-cell (CSC) homeostasis.
  • Investigation of mechanisms by which FoxO function can be manipulated in cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • FoxO proteins play diverse roles in the cellular anti-neoplastic response.
  • FoxO proteins are implicated in cancer immunity and CSC homeostasis.
  • In certain contexts, FoxO proteins can promote cancer progression, drug resistance, metastasis, and invasion, particularly when manipulated by factors like β-catenin.

Conclusions:

  • FoxO proteins are critical regulators of cancer biology with both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions.
  • Targeting FoxO protein signaling pathways presents a promising avenue for developing innovative cancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into the complex roles of FoxO proteins is warranted for effective cancer treatment development.
Keywords:
Anti-neoplasticCancer therapyFoxOImmunityTumor suppressor

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