Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Toxicological Assays for Testing Effects of an Epigenetic Drug on Development, Fecundity and Survivorship of Malaria Mosquitoes
10:26

Toxicological Assays for Testing Effects of an Epigenetic Drug on Development, Fecundity and Survivorship of Malaria Mosquitoes

Published on: January 16, 2015

8.7K

EZH2 regulates expression of FOXC1 by mediating H3K27me3 in breast cancers

Xiang-Jin Zheng1,2, Wan Li1,2, Jie Yi3

  • 1The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|October 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

FOXC1 is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and linked to poor survival and doxorubicin resistance. Targeting FOXC1 may offer new therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking specific biomarkers and effective treatments.
  • Understanding TNBC's underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of FOXC1 in TNBC.
  • To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TNBC.

Main Methods:

  • In silico analysis, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to assess FOXC1 expression.
  • Kaplan-Meier plotter analyzed the association between FOXC1 expression and patient survival.
  • Cell-based assays examined the relationship between FOXC1, EZH2, H3K27me3, and doxorubicin resistance.

Main Results:

  • FOXC1 was significantly upregulated in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes.
  • High FOXC1 expression correlated with poorer overall survival in breast cancer patients.
  • FOXC1 expression was inversely associated with H3K27me3 levels, modulated by EZH2.
  • FOXC1 expression was linked to doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • FOXC1 may serve as a potential biomarker for TNBC.
  • Targeting FOXC1, possibly by downregulating its expression, could be a therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
  • Further research into FOXC1's role could lead to novel treatments for this aggressive cancer subtype.
Keywords:
EZH2FOXC1H3K27me3TNBCdrug resistance

More Related Videos

Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures07:48

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

Published on: December 26, 2016

11.7K
HOX Loci Focused CRISPR/sgRNA Library Screening Identifying Critical CTCF Boundaries10:10

HOX Loci Focused CRISPR/sgRNA Library Screening Identifying Critical CTCF Boundaries

Published on: March 31, 2019

8.6K

Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
33.0K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
3.5K
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.5K
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl...
3.1K
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
9.3K
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
1.2K