One cut domain family member 2 (ONECUT2), also termed OC-2, is a newly discovered member of the ONECUT transcription factor family. As a transcription factor, ONECUT2 can widely regulate protein expression associated with cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, differentiation and cell material metabolism. Recent studies have revealed that ONECUT2 is associated with tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis; it is also associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells. The present review examines the distribution and expression of ONECUT2 in a variety of tumors, its oncogenic role in tumor progression and the possible mechanisms of regulation. Given the emerging role of ONECUT2 in the development and progression of tumors, ONECUT2 might be a promising target for tumor therapy.
Keywords: ONECUT2; cancer stemness; metastasis; proliferation; transdifferentiation.
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