SOX2 and squamous cancers

Semin Cancer Biol. 2020 Dec;67(Pt 1):154-167. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.007. Epub 2020 Sep 6.

Abstract

SOX2 is a pleiotropic nuclear transcription factor with major roles in stem cell biology and in development. Over the last 10 years SOX2 has also been implicated as a lineage-specific oncogene, notably in squamous carcinomas but also neurological tumours, particularly glioblastoma. Squamous carcinomas (SQCs) comprise a common group of malignancies for which there are no targeted therapeutic interventions. In this article we review the molecular epidemiological and laboratory evidence linking SOX2 with squamous carcinogenesis, explore in detail the multifaceted impact of SOX2 in SQC, describe areas of uncertainty and highlight areas for potential future research.

Keywords: Epithelial carcinoma; SOX2; Squamous cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors