FOXA1: master of steroid receptor function in cancer

EMBO J. 2011 Sep 20;30(19):3885-94. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.340.

Abstract

FOXA transcription factors are potent, context-specific mediators of development that hold specialized functions in hormone-dependent tissues. Over the last several years, FOXA1 has emerged as a critical mediator of nuclear steroid receptor signalling, manifest at least in part through regulation of androgen receptor and oestrogen receptor activity. Recent findings point towards a major role for FOXA1 in modulating nuclear steroid receptor activity in breast and prostate cancer, and suggest that FOXA1 may significantly contribute to pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. The present review article will focus on the mechanisms, consequence, and clinical relevance of FOXA1-mediated steroid nuclear receptor signalling in human malignancy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-alpha / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Steroid / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • FOXA1 protein, human
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-alpha
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Receptors, Steroid