FoxM1: Repurposing an oncogene as a biomarker

Semin Cancer Biol. 2018 Oct;52(Pt 1):74-84. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.009. Epub 2017 Sep 10.

Abstract

The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the biology of cancer, which has led to more comprehensive approaches for global gene expression profiling and genome-wide analysis. This has helped to determine more sophisticated prognostic and predictive signature markers for the prompt diagnosis and precise screening of cancer patients. In the search for novel biomarkers, there has been increased interest in FoxM1, an extensively studied transcription factor that encompasses most of the hallmarks of malignancy. Considering the attractive potential of this multifarious oncogene, FoxM1 has emerged as an important molecule implicated in initiation, development and progression of cancer. Bolstered with the skill to maneuver the proliferation signals, FoxM1 bestows resistance to contemporary anti-cancer therapy as well. This review sheds light on the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that implies that FoxM1 neoplastic functions can be used as a novel predictive, prognostic and therapeutic marker for different cancers. This assessment also highlights the key features of FoxM1 that can be effectively harnessed to establish FoxM1 as a strong biomarker in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Keywords: Biomarker; Cancer; Diagnosis; FoxM1; Oncogene; Prognosis; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Forkhead Box Protein M1 / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Oncogenes / genetics*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • FOXM1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein M1