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Yu Y, Cao WM, Cheng F, Shi Z, Han L, Yi J, da Silva EM, Dopeso H, Chen H, Yang J, Wang X, Zhang C, Zhang H. FOXK2 amplification promotes breast cancer development and chemoresistance. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217074. [PMID: 38901667 PMCID: PMC11290987 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activation through DNA amplification or overexpression is a crucial driver of cancer initiation and progression. The FOXK2 gene, located on chromosome 17q25, encodes a transcription factor with a forkhead DNA-binding domain. Analysis of genomic datasets reveals that FOXK2 is frequently amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer, correlating with poor patient survival. Knockdown of FOXK2 significantly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, anchorage-independent growth, and delayed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Additionally, inhibiting FOXK2 sensitized breast cancer cells to chemotherapy. Co-overexpression of FOXK2 and mutant PI3KCA transformed non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells, suggesting a role for FOXK2 in PI3KCA-driven tumorigenesis. CCNE2, PDK1, and ESR1 were identified as transcriptional targets of FOXK2 in MCF-7 cells. Small-molecule inhibitors of CCNE2/CDK2 (dinaciclib) and PDK1 (dichloroacetate) exhibited synergistic anti-tumor effects with PI3KCA inhibitor (alpelisib) in vitro. Inhibition of FOXK2 by dinaciclib synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor effects of alpelisib in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, these findings highlight the oncogenic function of FOXK2 and suggest that FOXK2 and its downstream genes represent potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Wen-Ming Cao
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lili Han
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jinling Yi
- Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Edaise M da Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Higinio Dopeso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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2
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El-Mergawy R, Chafin L, Ovando-Ricardez JA, Rosas L, Tsai M, Rojas M, Mora AL, Mallampalli RK. FOXK2 targeting by the SCF-E3 ligase subunit FBXO24 for ubiquitin mediated degradation modulates mitochondrial respiration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107359. [PMID: 38735474 PMCID: PMC11209018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
FOXK2 is a crucial transcription factor implicated in a wide array of biological activities and yet understanding of its molecular regulation at the level of protein turnover is limited. Here, we identify that FOXK2 undergoes degradation in lung epithelia in the presence of the virulent pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae through ubiquitin-proteasomal processing. FOXK2 through its carboxyl terminus (aa 428-478) binds the Skp-Cullin-F-box ubiquitin E3 ligase subunit FBXO24 that mediates multisite polyubiquitylation of the transcription factor resulting in its nuclear degradation. FOXK2 was detected within the mitochondria and targeted depletion of the transcription factor or cellular expression of FOXK2 mutants devoid of key carboxy terminal domains significantly impaired mitochondrial function. In experimental bacterial pneumonia, Fbxo24 heterozygous mice exhibited preserved mitochondrial function and Foxk2 protein levels compared to WT littermates. The results suggest a new mode of regulatory control of mitochondrial energetics through modulation of FOXK2 cellular abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab El-Mergawy
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lexie Chafin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jose A Ovando-Ricardez
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lorena Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - MuChun Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ana L Mora
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rama K Mallampalli
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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3
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Xing X, Que X, Zheng S, Wang S, Song Q, Yao Y, Zhang P. Emerging roles of FOXK2 in cancers and metabolic disorders. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1376496. [PMID: 38741782 PMCID: PMC11089157 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1376496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
FOXK2, a member of the Forkhead box K (FOXK) transcription factor family, is widely expressed in various tissues and organs throughout the body. FOXK2 plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, autophagy, de novo nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA damage response, and aerobic glycolysis. Although FOXK2 is recognized as an oncogene in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, it acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, cervical cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review provides an overview of the recent progress in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of FOXK2 and its downstream targets, highlights the significant impact of FOXK2 dysregulation on cancer etiology, and discusses the potential of targeting FOXK2 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingfeng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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4
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Alqurashi YE, Al-Hetty HRAK, Ramaiah P, Fazaa AH, Jalil AT, Alsaikhan F, Gupta J, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Tayyib NA, Peng H. Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115683. [PMID: 36933639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser E Alqurashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Pin Code 281406, U. P., India
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Colombia; Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Ecuador
| | - Nahla A Tayyib
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al- Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hu Peng
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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5
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Yu Y, Cao WM, Cheng F, Shi Z, Han L, Yi JL, da Silva EM, Dopeso H, Chen H, Yang J, Wang X, Zhang C, Zhang H. FOXK2 amplification and overexpression promotes breast cancer development and chemoresistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.28.542643. [PMID: 37398114 PMCID: PMC10312425 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.28.542643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Activation of oncogenes through DNA amplification/overexpression plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression. Chromosome 17 has many cancer-associated genetic anomalies. This cytogenetic anomaly is strongly associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer. FOXK2 gene is located on 17q25 and encodes a transcriptional factor with a forkhead DNA binding domain. By integrative analysis of public genomic datasets of breast cancers, we found that FOXK2 is frequently amplified and overexpressed in breast cancers. FOXK2 overexpression in breast cancer patients is associated with poor overall survival. FOXK2 knockdown significantly inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, and anchorage-independent growth, as well as causes G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. Moreover, inhibition of FOXK2 expression sensitizes breast cancer cells to frontline anti-tumor chemotherapies. More importantly, co-overexpression of FOXK2 and PI3KCA with oncogenic mutations (E545K or H1047R) induces cellular transformation in non-tumorigenic MCF10A cells, suggesting that FOXK2 is an oncogene in breast cancer and is involved in PI3KCA-driven tumorigenesis. Our study identified CCNE2, PDK1, and Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) as direct transcriptional targets of FOXK2 in MCF-7 cells. Blocking CCNE2- and PDK1-mediated signaling by using small molecule inhibitors has synergistic anti-tumor effects in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, FOXK2 inhibition by gene knockdown or inhibitors for its transcriptional targets (CCNE2 and PDK1) in combination with PI3KCA inhibitor, Alpelisib, showed synergistic anti-tumor effects on breast cancer cells with PI3KCA oncogenic mutations. In summary, we provide compelling evidence that FOXK2 plays an oncogenic role in breast tumorigenesis and targeting FOXK2-mediated pathways may be a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Wen-Ming Cao
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Lili Han
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jin-Ling Yi
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edaise M da Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Higinio Dopeso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Kang Y, Zhang K, Sun L, Zhang Y. Regulation and roles of FOXK2 in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:967625. [PMID: 36172141 PMCID: PMC9510715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.967625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) is a member of the forkhead box transcription factor family that contains an evolutionarily conserved winged-helix DNA-binding domain. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that FOXK2 plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of FOXK2 expression and function and discuss the roles of FOXK2 in tumor pathogenesis. Additionally, we evaluated the prognostic value of FOXK2 expression in patients with various cancers. This review presents an overview of the different roles of FOXK2 in tumorigenesis and will help inform the design of experimental studies involving FOXK2. Ultimately, the information presented here will help enhance the therapeutic potential of FOXK2 as a cancer target.
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7
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Yu M, Yu H, Mu N, Wang Y, Ma H, Yu L. The Function of FoxK Transcription Factors in Diseases. Front Physiol 2022; 13:928625. [PMID: 35903069 PMCID: PMC9314541 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.928625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors play a crucial role in the regulation of many diseases, being an evolutionarily conserved superfamily of transcription factors. In recent years, FoxK1/2, members of its family, has been the subject of research. Even though FoxK1 and FoxK2 have some functional overlap, increasing evidence indicates that the regulatory functions of FoxK1 and FoxK2 are not the same in various physiological and disease states. It is important to understand the biological function and mechanism of FoxK1/2 for better understanding pathogenesis of diseases, predicting prognosis, and finding new therapeutic targets. There is, however, a lack of comprehensive and systematic analysis of the similarities and differences of FoxK1/2 roles in disease, prompting us to perform a literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Haozhen Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Nan Mu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yishi Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Heng Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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8
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Liao D, Liu X, Yuan X, Feng P, Ouyang Z, Liu Y, Li C. Long non-coding RNA tumor protein 53 target gene 1 promotes cervical cancer development via regulating microRNA-33a-5p to target forkhead box K2. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:572-584. [PMID: 35090377 PMCID: PMC8942495 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2026705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA tumor protein 53 target gene 1 (TP53TG1) has been unraveled to exert regulatory effects on cancer progression, while the regulatory function of TP53TG1 on cervical cancer (CC) via regulating microRNA (miR)-33a-5p/Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) axis remains rarely explored. This study aims to unearth the regulatory mechanism of TP53TG1/miR-33a-5p/FOXK2 axis in CC. The CC clinical samples were collected, and CC cells were cultured. TP53TG1, miR-33a-5p and FOXK2 levels were examined in CC tissues and cells. The CC cells were transfected with high- or low-expressed TP53TG1, FOXK2 or miR-33a-5p to determine the changes of CC cell biological activities and the status of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. The tumorigenesis in nude mice was conducted. The relationship among TP53TG1, miR-33a-5p and FOXK2 was validated. TP53TG1 and FOXK2 expression levels were increased and miR-33a-5p expression level was reduced in CC cells and tissues. The silenced TP53TG1 or FOXK2, or elevated miR-33a-5p decelerated the CC cell development and restrained the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The depleted FOXK2 or elevated miR-33a-5p reversed the effects of decreased TP53TG1 on CC cell progression. TP53TG1 sponged miR-33a-5p, which targeted FOXK2. The experiment in vivo validated the outcomes of the experiment in vitro. TP53TG1 accelerates the CC development via regulating miR-33a-5p to target FOXK2 with the involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides novel theory basis and distinct therapeutic targets for CC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liao
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuying Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Poling Feng
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Ouyang
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China,CONTACT Yanyan Liu Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 1, Xianglong Road, Huangzhou, Shilong Town, Dongguan, Guangdong523326, China
| | - Cuifen Li
- Department of Gynaecology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People’s Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
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