FoxO transcription factors in cancer metabolism

Semin Cancer Biol. 2018 Jun:50:65-76. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.004. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

Abstract

FoxO transcription factors serve as the central regulator of cellular homeostasis and are tumor suppressors in human cancers. Recent studies have revealed that, besides their classic functions in promoting cell death and inducing cell cycle arrest, FoxOs also regulate cancer metabolism, an emerging hallmark of cancer. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms employed to control FoxO activities in the context of cancer biology, and discuss FoxO function in metabolism reprogramming in cancer and interaction with other key cancer metabolism pathways. A deeper understanding of FoxOs in cancer metabolism may reveal novel therapeutic opportunities in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cancer metabolism; FoxO; Myc; Tumor suppression; mTOR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors