SOX genes as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in cancer

Authors

  • Marija Mojsin Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Nataša Kovačević Grujičić Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Jelena Marjanović Vićentić Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Milena Milivojević Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Isidora Petrović Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Jelena Popović Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia
  • Milena Stevanović Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, PO box 43, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihajlova 35, Belgrade, Serbia

Keywords:

cervical carcinoma, glioblastoma, nonseminoma TGCT, SOX genes

Abstract

Human SOX genes (SRY-related HMG-box genes) represent a family of transcription factors with essential roles in various developmental processes. They control stem cell pluripotency maintenance, cell fate determination and cell differentiation. In the past decade, the focus on SOX genes research changed from their roles in development to their functions in disease, particularly cancer. The growing amount of data has shown SOX genes to be amplified in various types of cancer. SOX proteins are involved in cancer cell functions through modulations of signaling pathways and protein-protein interactions. In this paper, we review the roles of SOX genes in glioblastoma, nonseminoma testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) and cervical carcinoma, focusing on our recent findings about the roles of SOX1, SOX2, SOX14 and SOX18 in these cancer types. We also evaluate the potential use of these genes as diagnostic markers, indicators of metastasis and targets in new therapeutic approaches.

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Published

2017-07-20

How to Cite

Mojsin, M., Kovačević Grujičić, N., Marjanović Vićentić, J., Milivojević, M., Petrović, I., Popović, J., & Stevanović, M. (2017). SOX genes as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Biologia Serbica, 39(1). Retrieved from https://journal.pmf.uns.ac.rs/index.php/biologiaserbica/article/view/135

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2017): Biologia Serbica

Section

Mini review