Forkhead box protein L1 (FOXL1)

Forkhead box protein L1 (FOXL1) is a transcription factor within the forkhead/winged helix (FOX) family, characterized by a distinct DNA-binding forkhead domain[4][7]. It plays key regulatory roles in mesenchymal–epithelial signaling, organ development, tissue repair, and tumor suppression[4][1][2]. FOXL1 is essential for proper gastrointestinal tract development, where it controls epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and formation of gut-associated lymphoid structures[4]. In the liver, FOXL1 marks a subset of hepatic progenitors involved in tissue repair, while in the lung, it regulates mesenchymal identity and fibroblast function[2][4]. FOXL1 expression is downregulated in several cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, where loss of FOXL1 is associated with increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; conversely, overexpression acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell growth, migration, and invasion, often through regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and EMT processes[1][3][4]. In the lung, aberrant FOXL1 expression is implicated in fibrotic disease[2]. FOXL1 is not currently a direct therapeutic drug target, nor are drugs or approved biomarkers associated with its targeting in clinical practice[7][1]; however, it is under investigation as a potential tumor suppressor in cancer biology and as a regulator in fibrotic disease.

Other names

Forkhead box L1FKHL11FREAC7FREAC-7FKH6Forkhead-related protein FKHL11Forkhead-related transcription factor 7forkhead-like 11OTSC11