346
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In the search for more effective methods of lung tumor treatment, scientists have discovered a new target, the impact of which gives two key results - it blocks the growth of the tumor and its metastases.
Scientists from the University of Arizona have identified the FOXF1 protein, which stabilizes blood vessels inside lung tumors, reduces hypoxia and prevents metastases, according to the university's website. FOXF1 was found to be expressed in healthy lung endothelial cells but downregulated in lung cancer vasculature cells.
From clinical observations, scientists have found that lung cancer patients with higher FOXF1 expression have a higher survival rate. In preclinical models, deletion of the FOXF1 gene led to dramatic growth and metastasis of cancer. On the contrary, by increasing the level of FOXF1, it was possible to suppress the growth of cancer and its spread to other organs.
Notably, deletion of FOXF1 resulted in the loss of the FZD4 gene, which is involved in the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, which affects the differentiation and development of cells and tissues. Further, it was found that FOXF1 directly activates FZD4.
According to the authors, increasing the levels of FOXF1 or FZD4 promises to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with lung cancer. Further research will focus on activating the FOXF1/FZD4 signaling pathway through gene therapy.
