FOXC2
Encyclopedia
Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) also known as forkhead-related protein FKHL14 (FKHL14), transcription factor FKH-14, or mesenchyme fork head protein 1 (MFH1) is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the FOXC2 gene
. FOXC2 is a member of the fork head box
(FOX) family of transcription factor
s.
, and that has been studied to determine if it is associated with varicose veins
.
FOXC2 is also involved in cancer
metastases. In particular, expression of FOXC2 is induced when epithelial cells
undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition
(EMT) and become mesenchymal
looking cells. EMT can be induced by a number of genes including Snail
, Twist
, Goosecoid
, and TGF-beta 1
. Suppression of FOXC2 expression using shRNA
in a highly metastatic breast cancer
model blocks their metastatic ability.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the FOXC2 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
. FOXC2 is a member of the fork head box
FOX proteins
FOX proteins are a family of transcription factors that play important roles in regulating the expression of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and longevity...
(FOX) family of transcription factor
Transcription factor
In molecular biology and genetics, a transcription factor is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the flow of genetic information from DNA to mRNA...
s.
Clinical significance
Mutations in the FOXC2 gene are associated with lymphedema distichiasisLymphedema distichiasis
Lymphedema–distichiasis syndrome is a medical condition associated with the FOXC2 gene.-See also:* Lymphedema* Distichiasis* Aagenaes syndrome* List of cutaneous conditions-External links:*...
, and that has been studied to determine if it is associated with varicose veins
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards . Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart, against the...
.
FOXC2 is also involved in cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
metastases. In particular, expression of FOXC2 is induced when epithelial cells
Epithelium
Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...
undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition or transformation is a hypothesized program of development of biological cells characterized by loss of cell adhesion, repression of E-cadherin expression, and increased cell mobility...
(EMT) and become mesenchymal
Mesenchymal stem cell
Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including: osteoblasts , chondrocytes and adipocytes...
looking cells. EMT can be induced by a number of genes including Snail
SNAI1
Zinc finger protein SNAI1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SNAI1 gene.-Interactions:SNAI1 has been shown to interact with CTDSPL, CTDSP1 and CTDSP2.-Further reading:...
, Twist
Twist transcription factor
Twist transcription factor is a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome.-Interactions:Twist transcription factor has been shown to interact with EP300, TCF3 and PCAF.-External links:*...
, Goosecoid
GSC (gene)
Homeobox protein goosecoid is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GSC gene.-Further reading:-External links:*...
, and TGF-beta 1
TGF beta 1
Transforming growth factor beta 1 or TGF-β1 is a polypeptide member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of cytokines. It is a secreted protein that performs many cellular functions, including the control of cell growth, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis...
. Suppression of FOXC2 expression using shRNA
Small hairpin RNA
A small hairpin RNA or short hairpin RNA is a sequence of RNA that makes a tight hairpin turn that can be used to silence gene expression via RNA interference. shRNA uses a vector introduced into cells and utilizes the U6 or H1 promoter to ensure that the shRNA is always expressed...
in a highly metastatic breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
model blocks their metastatic ability.