Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Acetyl-Click Assay for HAT1 Inhibitor Screening
Published on: January 26, 2024
Characterization of FOXO Acetylation
Shang Yao1, Zimam Mahmud1, Nikoleta Sachini1,2,3
1Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine (ICTEM), London, UK.
Abstract:
FOXO3 is a tumor suppressor that orchestrates the expression of genes that regulate cell cycle progression, apoptosis, metabolism, oxidative stress, and other important cellular processes. Its inactivation is closely associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. On the other hand, sirtuin proteins have been demonstrated to be able to deacetylate, thus causing FOXO3 inactivation at the posttranslational level. Therefore, targeting sirtuin proteins renders new avenues for breast cancer treatment. Here, we describe three procedures for studying FOXO3 posttranslational modifications controlled by sirtuin proteins in cancer cells.
Insights
Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) is a tumor suppressor. Targeting sirtuin proteins may offer new breast cancer treatment strategies by affecting FOXO3 inactivation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) acts as a tumor suppressor, regulating critical cellular processes like cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism.
- Inactivation of FOXO3 is linked to cancer development and progression.
- Sirtuin proteins can inactivate FOXO3 through deacetylation at the posttranslational level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sirtuin proteins in controlling FOXO3 posttranslational modifications.
- To establish methods for studying sirtuin-mediated FOXO3 regulation in cancer cells.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting sirtuin-FOXO3 interactions in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Description of three distinct experimental procedures.
- Focus on studying posttranslational modifications of FOXO3.
- Utilizing cancer cell models to investigate sirtuin protein activity.
Main Results:
- The study outlines methodologies for analyzing FOXO3 modifications.
- The procedures allow for the examination of sirtuin-dependent FOXO3 regulation.
- These methods are applicable to cancer cell research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding sirtuin-mediated FOXO3 inactivation is crucial for cancer research.
- Targeting sirtuin proteins presents a potential therapeutic avenue for breast cancer.
- The described procedures facilitate further investigation into FOXO3 regulation in cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Phase II Reactions: Acetylation Reactions
The substrates for acetylation are typically drugs or their metabolites with an amino, sulfonamide, or hydrazine functional group. Acetylation can occur at several points in the drug molecule, including primary, secondary, and...
Euchromatin
Euchromatin is the less dense region of the chromatin and stains lighter. Euchromatin contains histone H3 extensively...
Pyruvate Oxidation
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
Co-activators and Co-repressors
Dietary Connections

