Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2)

Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) is a DNA-binding transcription factor belonging to the forkhead box (FOX) family and is encoded by the *FOXC2* gene, which is intronless and encodes a 501-amino-acid protein[4][2]. FOXC2 regulates crucial developmental processes, including vascular and lymphatic development, kidney and heart formation, and differentiation of adipose tissue, as well as maintenance of glomerular basement membrane integrity[4]. It plays a pivotal role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is linked to cancer metastasis, and its mutations are causatively associated with lymphedema–distichiasis syndrome (a genetic disorder of the lymphatic system)[4][2]. FOXC2 exerts its function by directly binding to specific DNA motifs, regulating gene transcription; it is essential for the formation of pericyte-free lymphatic networks and lymphatic valves[3][1][2]. Overexpression is associated with highly metastatic cancers, especially breast cancer, and the gene is both a disease biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in cancer and lymphatic disorders[4][1][2][3].

Other names

forkhead-related protein FKHL14transcription factor FKH-14mesenchyme fork head protein 1MFH1MFH-1 proteinmesenchyme forkhead 1FKHL14LDforkhead box C2