Six family of homeobox genes and related mechanisms in tumorigenesis protocols

Tumori. 2016 Jun 2;2016(3):236-43. doi: 10.5301/tj.5000495. Epub 2016 Apr 5.

Abstract

In recent years, the homeobox gene superfamily has been introduced as a master regulator in downstream target genes related to cell development and proliferation. An indispensable role of this family involved in organogenesis development has been widely demonstrated since expression of Six family led to a distinct increase in development of various organs. These functions of Six family genes are primarily based on structure as well as regulatory role in response to external or internal stimuli. In addition to these roles, mutation or aberrant expression of Six family plays a fundamental role in initiation of carcinogenesis, a multistep process including transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and metastasis. This suggests that the Six superfamily members can be considered as novel target molecules to inhibit tumor growth and progression. This review focuses on the structure, function, and mechanisms of the Six family in cancer processes and possible strategies to apply these family members for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cyclin D / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Genes, Homeobox / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smad Proteins / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Cyclin D
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • SIX1 protein, human
  • SIX2 protein, human
  • SIX4 protein, human
  • Smad Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta