FOXM1: A small fox that makes more tracks for cancer progression and metastasis

Semin Cancer Biol. 2023 Jul:92:1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.007. Epub 2023 Mar 22.

Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable for the modulation of various signaling pathways associated with normal cell homeostasis and disease conditions. Among cancer-related TFs, FOXM1 is a critical molecule that regulates multiple aspects of cancer cells, including growth, metastasis, recurrence, and stem cell features. FOXM1 also impact the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancer types. Recent advances in cancer research strengthen the cancer-specific role of FOXM1, providing a rationale to target FOXM1 for developing targeted therapies. This review compiles the recent studies describing the pivotal role of FOXM1 in promoting metastasis of various cancer types. It also implicates the contribution of FOXM1 in the modulation of chemotherapeutic resistance, antitumor immune response/immunotherapies, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors of FOXM1.

Keywords: Chemoresistance; Metastasis; Recurrence; Subtype switching; Transcription factors.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Forkhead Box Protein M1 / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Forkhead Box Protein M1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • FOXM1 protein, human