The forkhead factor FOXL2: a novel tumor suppressor?

Abstract

FOXL2 is a gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor, whose germline mutations are responsible for the blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome. We have previously shown that expression levels of FOXL2 in a series of juvenile ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs) were markedly reduced. More recently, a whole-transcriptome 'next-generation' sequencing study has identified the somatic mutation p.Cys134Trp as recurring in adult OGCTs. This mutation may thus provide the tumor with either a striking proliferative potential or increased survival abilities. These studies of FOXL2 in OGCTs suggest that it may act as a tumor suppressor gene. This is in line with the fact that other forkhead transcription factors have already been involved in the etiology of cancer. Indeed, an in-depth review of existing data on FOXL2 reveals that its target genes and molecular partners can often be linked to cancer progression.

• Authors: Bérénice A Benayoun, Nicolas Kalfa, Charles Sultan, Reiner A Veitia
• Journal: Biochimica et biophysica acta (Biochim Biophys Acta) Vol. 1805 Issue 1 Pg. 1-5 (Jan 2010) ISSN: 0006-3002 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 19747961 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• FOXL2 protein, human
• Forkhead Box Protein L2
• Forkhead Transcription Factors
• Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics

• Forkhead Box Protein L2
• Forkhead Transcription Factors (physiology)
• Humans
• Neoplasms (metabolism)
• Tumor Suppressor Proteins (physiology)