SOX2 function in cancers: Association with growth, invasion, stemness and therapy response

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cancer is a major global health challenge, causing millions of deaths annually.
• Current cancer therapies face limitations due to tumor cell resistance and genetic mutations.
• The SOX2 transcription factor's role in cancer is complex and warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted role of the SOX2 transcription factor in cancer development and progression.
• To explore SOX2's involvement in therapeutic resistance and cancer stem cell populations.
• To assess SOX2 as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating SOX2 in various cancer types.
• Analysis of SOX2's molecular mechanisms, including interactions with other regulatory factors.
• Examination of evidence linking SOX2 expression to clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses.

Main Results:

• SOX2 overexpression is linked to increased cancer cell growth, metastasis, and stemness.
• SOX2 contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• SOX2 interacts with miRNAs, lncRNAs, STAT3, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to regulate tumor progression.
• SOX2 silencing impairs cancer cell progression and survival.
• SOX2 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis, lymph node metastasis, and reduced survival rates.

Conclusions:

• SOX2 acts as a "double-edged sword" in cancer, promoting progression while also being a target for therapeutic strategies.
• SOX2 is a significant factor in cancer stemness and therapeutic resistance.
• SOX2 holds promise as a predictive biomarker for patient prognosis and treatment response.