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Published on: December 26, 2016
FOXM1: a potential therapeutic target in human solid cancers
Soheila Borhani1, Andrei L Gartel1
1Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Introduction: FOXM1 is one of the most frequently overexpressed proteins in human solid cancers. Here, we discuss novel direct targets of FOXM1 as well as new pathways involving FOXM1, through which this protein exerts its oncogenic activity.Areas covered: We give a detailed review of FOXM1 transcriptional targets involved in 16 different types of human cancer as published in the literature in the last 5 years. We also discuss a novel positive feedback loop between FOXM1 and AKT - both well-established master regulators of cancer.Expert opinion: Despite the discovery of several FOXM1 inhibitors over the years (by our team and others), their therapeutic use is limited by their adverse off-target effects.Newly-discovered proteins regulated by FOXM1 present a promising alternative approach to target its pro-cancer activity. In addition, targeting regulating proteins that take part in the positive feedback loop between FOXM1/AKT has the double advantage of suppressing both, and can lead to developing novel anti-cancer drugs.
Insights
The study reviews novel targets and pathways of the FOXM1 protein, a key driver in human solid cancers. Targeting FOXM1 and its feedback loop with AKT offers new anti-cancer drug development strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is frequently overexpressed in human solid tumors.
- FOXM1 plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, DNA repair, and mitosis, contributing to oncogenesis.
- Understanding FOXM1's regulatory networks is vital for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel direct transcriptional targets of FOXM1.
- To elucidate new oncogenic pathways regulated by FOXM1.
- To discuss the FOXM1/AKT positive feedback loop in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies published in the last 5 years.
- Analysis of FOXM1 transcriptional targets across 16 human cancer types.
- Examination of molecular pathways and feedback loops involving FOXM1 and AKT.
Main Results:
- Identification of numerous FOXM1 direct transcriptional targets implicated in various cancers.
- Elucidation of novel oncogenic mechanisms driven by FOXM1.
- Characterization of a positive feedback loop between FOXM1 and AKT, master regulators of cancer.
Conclusions:
- Newly identified FOXM1 targets offer alternative strategies to inhibit its pro-cancer activity.
- Targeting the FOXM1/AKT feedback loop presents a promising dual-action approach for novel anti-cancer drug development.
- Despite existing FOXM1 inhibitors, novel therapeutic strategies are needed due to off-target effects.
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