HOX family transcription factors: Related signaling pathways and post-translational modifications in cancer

• Published in: Cellular signalling Vol. 66; p. 109469
• Main Authors: Yu, Miao, Zhan, Jun, Zhang, Hongquan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Cancer progression; Carcinogenesis - metabolism; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Homeodomain Proteins - physiology; HOX family transcription factors; Humans; Neoplasms - metabolism; Post-translational modifications; Signal Transduction; Signaling pathways; PRMT; AcK27; TNF; EGFR; Signaling pathways; IκB; NF-κB; HOX family transcription factors; hPRL; PI3K; GSK3; CDH1; EOC; MDR; IGF-1R; EC; AML; OSCC; CML; BMP; OS; Cancer progression; HCC; MAPK; Slug; EMT; PRLR; bFGF; GalNAc; JMJD6; HOX; MMP; ILF3; Post-translational modifications; CDH11; TGFβ; PCAF; MET
• ISSN: 0898-6568; 1873-3913
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109469

HOX family transcription factors belong to a highly conserved subgroup of the homeobox superfamily that determines cellular fates in embryonic morphogenesis and the maintenance of adult tissue architecture. HOX family transcription factors play key roles in numerous cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, motility, and angiogenesis. As tumor promoters or suppressors HOX family members have been reported to be closely related with a variety of cancers. They closely regulate tumor initiation and growth, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, anti-cancer drug resistance and stem cell origin. Here, we firstly described the pivotal roles of HOX transcription factors in tumorigenesis. Then, we summarized the main signaling pathways regulated by HOX transcription factors, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor β, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and nuclear factor-κB signalings. Finally, we outlined the important post-translational modifications of HOX transcription factors and their regulation in cancers. Future research directions on the HOX transcription factors are also discussed. •Aberrant expression of HOX family transcription factors play important roles in cancer progression.•HOX family transcription factors regulate Wnt, TGFβ, and MAPK signaling pathways.•Post-translational modifications of HOX family transcription factors change their functions in cancer progression.•HOX family transcription factors may be vital biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, therapeutic outcome and prognostic evaluation.