Unraveling the role of specificity protein 1 in gliomas: pathophysiology and clinical implications

Gliomas present a significant challenge to modern medicine as some of the most diverse and malignant brain tumors. Despite considerable developments in curative measures, the prognosis remains unsatisfactory. A prime reason is that much is obscured about the genetic regulation of glioma pathogenesis. In recent years, specificity protein 1 (Sp1) has been recognized as a central transcription factor that promotes gliomagenesis. Sp1, which is overexpressed in glioma tissues, modulates gene transcription by targeting GC boxes through its zinc finger motifs. As a result, it can influence tumor formation, proliferation, invasion, and distant migration. The present review summarizes the structure, function, and regulation of Sp1. Furthermore, this study elucidates the underlying mechanism by which Sp1 interacts with signaling pathways to fuel tumor growth and chemoresistance. Finally, the current state of Sp1's clinical implications is outlined. These findings reveal the potential benefits of Sp1 as a therapeutic target and diagnostic tool, laying the foundation for future studies.