Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyFOXOPI3KPKB/AKTSignal transductionTumor suppressorTumorigenesis

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth06:35

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth

Published on: December 22, 2020

5.2K
A Proximal Culture Method to Study Paracrine Signaling Between Cells08:17

A Proximal Culture Method to Study Paracrine Signaling Between Cells

Published on: August 28, 2018

10.1K

Related Concept Videos

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...
4.9K
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

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...
11.5K
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...
9.9K
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

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...
6.1K
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

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,...
7.2K