关键词: SOX9, 转录因子, 癌症干细胞, 药物靶标

Abstract: Previous studies demonstrated that, SOX9 gene and its product, the transcription factor SOX9, involved in early embryonic development, sex determination and cartilage development. However, recent clinical data disclosed the positive relationship between SOX9 and carcinogenesis and development of various solid tumors, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, etc.. It further hints that SOX9 seemly could acts as a cancer promotion factor along with its up-regulation. This article reviewed molecular mechanism uncovered recently underlying SOX9 regulating carcinogenesis, and summarized pathways through which SOX9 mediated carcinogenesis, endogenous and exogenous molecules negatively regulated SOX9 expression and hypothesis. Based on this, we further explored the feasibility of SOX9 gene as a therapeutic target for cancer drugs. This review was expected to provide instruction for follow-up basic mechanism research and disease treatment.

Key words: SOX9, transcription factor, cancer stem cell, drug target