Forkhead box O proteins: Crucial regulators of cancer EMT

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2018
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Zhiqiang Ma, Zhenlong Xin, Wei Hu, Shuai Jiang, Zhi Yang, Xiaolong Yan, Xiaofei Li, Yang Yang, Fulin Chen
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an acknowledged cellular transition process in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal-like properties that endow cancer cells with increased migratory and invasive behavior. Forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins have been shown to orchestrate multiple EMT-associated pathways and EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs), thereby modulating the EMT process. The focus of the current review is to evaluate the latest research progress regarding the roles of FOXO proteins in cancer EMT. First, a brief overview of the EMT process in cancer and a general background on the FOXO family are provided. Next, we present the interactions between FOXO proteins and multiple EMT-associated pathways during malignancy development. Finally, we propose several novel potential directions for future research. Collectively, the information compiled herein should serve as a comprehensive repository of information on this topic and should aid in the design of additional studies and the future development of FOXO proteins as therapeutic targets.



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