FOXK2 transcription factor and its roles in tumorigenesis (Review)

Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) is a central transcriptional regulator of embryonic development and cell homeostasis. Since its discovery, evidence has shown that FOXK2 mediates a variety of biological processes involving in genomic stability, DNA repair, cancer stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell metabolism. The inherent structural characteristics of FOXK2 enable it as a transcriptional factor (TF) to cooperate with other active molecules in cancer development. FOXK2 mediates several significant chromatin events that are necessary for some chromatin accessibility and protein-protein interaction. FOXK2 is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of types of cancer as an oncoprotein or tumor suppressor depending on its interactive partners. Therefore, the loss of FOXK2 and its functions directly or indirectly affect the fate of cells. FOXK2 expresses differentially in a number of types of cancer and is involved in a number of aspects of carcinogenesis. However, its roles in tumorigenesis remain largely unexplored. The present review focused on the latest findings and evidence on the broad roles and possible mediating mechanisms of FOXK2 in carcinogenesis. The recent findings about FOXK2 may shed light on the direction of future FOXK2 research in tumorigenesis.