The role of SOX family transcription factors in gastric cancer

Asal Jalal Abadi, Ali Zarrabi, Farid Hashemi, Amirhossein Zabolian, Masoud Najafi, Maliheh Entezari, Kiavash Hushmandi, Amir Reza Aref, Haroon Khan, Pooyan Makvandi, Saeed Ashrafizaveh, Tahereh Farkhondeh, Milad Ashrafizadeh, Saeed Samarghandian, Michael R. Hamblin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. GC is the third-most common cause of cancer-related death after lung and colorectal cancer. It is also the fifth-most commonly diagnosed cancer. Accumulating evidence has revealed the role of signaling networks in GC progression. Identification of these molecular pathways can provide new insight into therapeutic approaches for GC. Several molecular factors involved in GC can play both onco-suppressor and oncogene roles. Sex-determining region Y (Sry)-box-containing (SOX) family members are transcription factors with a well-known role in cancer. SOX proteins can bind to DNA to regulate cellular pathways via a highly conserved domain known as high mobility group (HMG). In the present review, the roles of SOX proteins in the progression and/or inhibition of GC are discussed. The dual role of SOX proteins as tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing factors is highlighted. SOX members can affect upstream mediators (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and NF-κB) and down-stream mediators (FAK, HIF-1α, CDX2 and PTEN) in GC. The possible role of anti-tumor compounds to target SOX pathway members in GC therapy is described. Moreover, SOX proteins may be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in GC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)608-624
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume180
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Cancer therapy
  • Gastric cancer
  • High mobility group domain
  • SOX family members

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

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