Snail transcription factors - Characteristics, regulation and molecular targets relevant in vital cellular activities of ovarian cancer cells

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res. 2024 Jun;1871(5):119705. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119705. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

Snail transcription factors play essential roles in embryonic development and participate in many physiological processes. However, these genes have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer. In epithelial ovarian cancer, high expression of these transcription factors is usually associated with the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype and thus, considered to be a poor prognostic factor. Numerous molecular signals create a complex network of signaling pathways regulating the expression and stability of Snails, which in turn control genes involved in vital cellular functions of ovarian cancer cells, such as invasion, survival, proliferation and chemoresistance.

Keywords: Chemoresistance; EMT; Epithelial ovarian cancer; Metastatic potential; Snail 1; Snail 2; Transcription factors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / pathology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors* / metabolism

Substances

  • Snail Family Transcription Factors