Foxm1: A multifunctional oncoprotein and emerging therapeutic target in ovarian cancer

Cassie Liu, Carter J. Barger, Adam R. Karpf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a member of the conserved forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family. Over the last two decades, FOXM1 has emerged as a multifunctional oncoprotein and a robust biomarker of poor prognosis in many human malignancies. In this review article, we address the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of regulation and oncogenic functions of FOXM1, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer. FOXM1 and its associated oncogenic transcriptional signature are enriched in >85% of ovarian cancer cases and FOXM1 expression and activity can be enhanced by a plethora of genomic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and posttranslational mechanisms. As a master transcriptional regulator, FOXM1 promotes critical oncogenic phenotypes in ovarian cancer, including: (1) cell proliferation, (2) invasion and metastasis, (3) chemotherapy resistance, (4) cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, (5) genomic instability, and (6) altered cellular metabolism. We additionally discuss the evidence for FOXM1 as a cancer biomarker, describe the rationale for FOXM1 as a cancer therapeutic target, and provide an overview of therapeutic strategies used to target FOXM1 for cancer treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3065
JournalCancers
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2 2021

Keywords

  • FOXM1
  • Forkhead box M1
  • High-grade serous ovarian cancer
  • Oncogenes
  • Oncoproteins
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Transcription factors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Foxm1: A multifunctional oncoprotein and emerging therapeutic target in ovarian cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this