FOXO4

Description

Forkhead box O4 (FOXO4) is a member of the FOXO family that regulates a number of genes involved in metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cellular homeostasis via transcriptional activity. It also mediates cell responses to oxidative stress and treatment with antitumor agents. The expression of FOXO4 is repressed by microRNAs in multiple cancer cells, while FOXO4 function is regulated by post-translational modifications and interaction with other proteins. The deregulation of FOXO4 is closely linked to the progression of several types of cancer, senescence, and other diseases[1].

Biological Activity

FOXO4 is a member of the forkhead family of transcription factors in O subclass, which is characterized by a winged helix domain used for DNA binding. There are 4 members of the FOXO family, including FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXO6. Their activity is modified by many post translational activities, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation.

Physiological effects

FOXO4 binding affinity for DNA is altered, allowing for FOXO4 to regulate many cellular pathways including oxidative stress signaling, longevity, insulin signaling, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis.

References

[1] Wen Liu, Bing Luo, Yong Li. “Current perspective on the regulation of FOXO4 and its role in disease progression.” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 217 1 (2020): 651–663.