Epithiospecifier protein activity in broccoli: The link between terminal alkenyl glucosinolates and sulphoraphane nitrile

Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) is an essential member of the forkhead box transcription factors and has been highlighted as an important transcriptional regulator of crucial proteins associated with a wide variety of carcinomas. FOXC1 regulates tumor-associated genes and is regulated by multiple pathways that control its mRNA expression and protein activity. Aberrant FOXC1 expression is involved in diverse tumorigenic processes, such as abnormal cell proliferation, cancer stem cell maintenance, cancer migration, and angiogenesis. Herein, we review the correlation between the expression of FOXC1 and tumor behaviors. We also summarize the mechanisms of the regulation of FOXC1 expression and activity in physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, we focus on the pathological processes of cancer targeted by FOXC1 and discuss whether FOXC1 is good or detrimental during tumor progression. Moreover, FOXC1 is highlighted as a clinical biomarker for diagnosis or prognosis in various human cancers. The information reviewed here should assist in experimental designs and emphasize the potential of FOXC1 as a therapeutic target for cancer.

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The dark-side of the outside: how extracellular heat shock proteins promote cancer

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences ◽

10.1007/s00018-021-03764-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Laura Seclì ◽

Federica Fusella ◽

Lidia Avalle ◽

Mara Brancaccio

Keyword(s):

Heat Shock ◽

Heat Shock Proteins ◽

Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Dark Side ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Protein Activity ◽

Tumour Immunity ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Cancer Hallmarks ◽

Shock Proteins

AbstractIn addition to exerting several essential house-keeping activities in the cell, heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial players in a well-structured molecular program activated in response to stressful challenges. Among the different activities carried out by HSPs during emergency, they reach the extracellular milieu, from where they scout the surroundings, regulate extracellular protein activity and send autocrine and paracrine signals. Cancer cells permanently experience stress conditions due to their altered equilibrium and behaviour, and constantly secrete heat shock proteins as a result. Other than supporting anti-tumour immunity, extracellular heat shock proteins (eHSPs), can also exacerbate cancer cell growth and malignancy by sustaining different cancer hallmarks. eHSPs are implicated in extracellular matrix remodelling, resistance to apoptosis, promotion of cell migration and invasion, induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and activation of stromal cells, supporting ultimately, metastasis dissemination. A broader understanding of eHSP activity and contribution to tumour development and progression is leading to new opportunities in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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