Identification of tumor-promoting functions of the Homeobox family transcription factor MSX1 in cervical cancer
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in regions with limited screening access, despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early. MSX1, a homeobox transcription factor with dual roles as a tumor suppressor and oncogene, has an unclear role in CC pathogenesis. This study reveals that MSX1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in CC, with de novo expression observed in precancerous lesions but absent in normal cervical epithelium. MSX1 enhances clonogenicity and migrationin cervical cancer cells, driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction. Mechanistically, MSX1 activates RHO/RAC/CDC42 cytoskeletal signaling pathways, with FOS—a downstream RHO effector—identified as a key mediator of CC aggressiveness. Targeting RHO signaling or FOS reverses MSX1-driven aggressive phenotypes, while proteasomal degradation of MSX1 reduces chemoresistance. These findings highlight MSX1's critical role in CC progression and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target. The study underscores MSX1's involvement in key oncogenic pathways, offering new insights for developing targeted therapies in cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in regions with limited screening access, despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early. MSX1, a homeobox transcription factor with dual roles as a tumor suppressor and oncogene, has an unclear role in CC pathogenesis. This study reveals that MSX1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in CC, with de novo expression observed in precancerous lesions but absent in normal cervical epithelium. MSX1 enhances clonogenicity and migrationin cervical cancer cells, driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction. Mechanistically, MSX1 activates RHO/RAC/CDC42 cytoskeletal signaling pathways, with FOS—a downstream RHO effector—identified as a key mediator of CC aggressiveness. Targeting RHO signaling or FOS reverses MSX1-driven aggressive phenotypes, while proteasomal degradation of MSX1 reduces chemoresistance. These findings highlight MSX1's critical role in CC progression and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target. The study underscores MSX1's involvement in key oncogenic pathways, offering new insights for developing targeted therapies in cervical cancer.
European Bioinformatics Institute