SOX9 Stem-Cell Factor: Clinical and Functional Relevance in Cancer

Transcriptional and epigenetic embryonic programs can be reactivated in cancer cells. As result, a specific subset of undifferentiated cells with stem-cells properties emerges and drives tumorigenesis. Recent findings have shown that ectoderm- and endoderm-derived tissues continue expressing stem-ce...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maribel Aguilar-Medina, Mariana Avendaño-Félix, Erik Lizárraga-Verdugo, Mercedes Bermúdez, José Geovanni Romero-Quintana, Rosalío Ramos-Payan, Erika Ruíz-García, César López-Camarillo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2019-01-01
Series:Journal of Oncology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/6754040
Description
Summary:Transcriptional and epigenetic embryonic programs can be reactivated in cancer cells. As result, a specific subset of undifferentiated cells with stem-cells properties emerges and drives tumorigenesis. Recent findings have shown that ectoderm- and endoderm-derived tissues continue expressing stem-cells related transcription factors of the SOX-family of proteins such as SOX2 and SOX9 which have been implicated in the presence of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in tumors. Currently, there is enough evidence suggesting an oncogenic role for SOX9 in different types of human cancers. This review provides a summary of the current knowledge about the involvement of SOX9 in development and progression of cancer. Understanding the functional roles of SOX9 and clinical relevance is crucial for developing novel treatments targeting CSCs in cancer.
ISSN:1687-8450
1687-8469