Clever cancer strategies with FoxO transcription factors.
Given that cancer and related disorders affect a wide spectrum of the world's population, and in most cases are progressive in nature, it is essential that future care must overcome the present limitations of existing therapies in the absence of toxic side effects. Mammalian forkhead transcription factors of the O class (FoxOs) may fill this niche since these proteins are increasingly considered to represent unique cellular targets directed against human cancer in light of their pro-apoptotic effects and ability to lead to cell cycle arrest. Yet, FoxOs also can significantly affect normal cell survival and longevity, requiring new treatments for neoplastic growth to modulate novel pathways that integrate cell proliferation, metabolism, inflammation and survival. In this respect, members of the FoxO family are extremely compelling to consider since these transcription factors have emerged as versatile proteins that can control angiogenesis, stem cell proliferation, cell adhesion and autoimmune disease. Further elucidation of FoxO protein function during neoplastic growth should continue to lay the foundation for the successful translation of these transcription factors into novel and robust clinical therapies for cancer.
Maiese
Kenneth
K
Division of Cellular and Molecular Cerebral Ischemia, Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. kmaiese@med.wayne.edu
Chong
Zhao Zhong
ZZ
Shang
Yan Chen
YC
Hou
Jinling
J
D002453:Cell Cycle; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology
D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors