SOX4 expression in cancer: Insights from developmental regulation and deregulation in tumorigenesis

Abstract

The burden of cancer is on a rapid rise globally. Deregulated gene expression profiles may lead to the development of cancer. Master regulators are the regulatory checkpoints that define and control the intricate networks of gene and protein interactions that make up cell physiology. The molecular programs that generate particular cellular phenotypes depend on master regulators. SOX4 gene is a master regulator that controls the expression of other genes responsible for tumorigenesis and plays a crucial role in multiple signaling pathways. The expression of SOX4 is upregulated in various malignancies. Increased proliferation of cancer cells, survival, apoptosis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition leading to metastasis have all been linked to SOX4 expression in cancer. Elevated levels of SOX4 also possess a correlation with poor prognosis in various cancer types. Recently, SOX4 has surfaced as a possible target for cancer therapeutics. Furthermore, it has been shown that targeting SOX4 could inhibit tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies. The present review summarizes the current status of SOX4 in the initiation and progression of various human cancers.