SOX genes as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in cancer

Abstract

Summary. 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 gene 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.