Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
07:48
Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
11.9K
Re-evaluating the role of FOXOs in cancer
M Hornsveld1, T B Dansen1, P W Derksen2
1Center for Molecular Medicine, Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Seminars in Cancer Biology
|November 28, 2017
Summary
Forkhead box (FOXO) transcription factors have dual roles in cancer, acting as both tumor suppressors and supporters. Their complex involvement suggests FOXO activity may be a promising therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Forkhead box (FOXO) transcription factors are regulated by the PI3K-PKB/AKT pathway.
- FOXO s have been traditionally viewed as tumor suppressors due to their anti-cancer effects.
- Emerging evidence suggests FOXOs can also promote cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of FOXO transcription factors in cancer.
- To evaluate recent advancements in understanding FOXO involvement in cancer.
- To discuss the potential of targeting FOXO activity in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on FOXO transcription factors in cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways and cellular processes involving FOXOs.
- Evaluation of prognostic marker studies and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- FOXO s exhibit context-dependent functions, acting as both tumor suppressors and promoters.
- FOXO s influence cancer cell growth, survival, homeostasis, metastasis, and therapy resistance.
- Conflicting results exist regarding FOXO s as prognostic markers in cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- FOXO transcription factors are not classical tumor suppressors.
- The dual role of FOXOs in cancer necessitates a nuanced understanding.
- Targeting FOXO activity presents a potential avenue for novel cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
4.9K
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...
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.9K
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
11.5K
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...
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...
11.5K
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
9.9K
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...
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...
9.9K
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
6.1K
Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
6.1K
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
7.2K
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
7.2K