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FOXA3: A Novel Tumor Suppressor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Siang Zhang1, Yuxiang Jin1, Qianyu Han1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.

The Journal of Gene Medicine
|February 18, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Forkhead box A3 (FOXA3) acts as a tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Low FOXA3 expression correlates with poor prognosis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The role of the forkhead box A (FOXA) family in cancer is well-established, but FOXA3's specific function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear.
  • This study investigates FOXA3 expression and its functional significance in ESCC development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the expression levels of FOXA3 in ESCC tissues.
  • To evaluate the correlation between FOXA3 expression and patient prognosis.
  • To elucidate the functional role of FOXA3 in ESCC cell behavior and tumor growth.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of FOXA3 expression in ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues.
  • In vitro studies assessing the impact of FOXA3 overexpression on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • In vivo tumorigenesis assay to evaluate FOXA3's effect on tumor growth.

Main Results:

  • FOXA3 expression was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • Low FOXA3 expression was significantly associated with poorer patient prognosis.
  • Overexpression of FOXA3 suppressed ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth.

Conclusions:

  • FOXA3 functions as a tumor suppressor in ESCC.
  • Reduced FOXA3 expression is a marker of poor prognosis in ESCC patients.
  • FOXA3 represents a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
Keywords:
FOXA3biomarkeresophageal squamous cell carcinomatumor suppressor

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