The role of MEOX1 in non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases

Targeted gene therapy has shown durable efficacy in non-neoplastic and neoplastic patients. Therefore, finding a suitable target has become a key area of research. Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) is a transcriptional factor that plays a significant role in regulation of somite development. Evidence indicates that abnormalities in MEOX1 expression and function are associated with a variety of pathologies, including non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. MEOX1 expression is upregulated during progression of most diseases and plays a critical role in maintenance of the cellular phenotypes such as cell differentiation, cell cycle arrest and senescence, migration, and proliferation. Therefore, MEOX1 may become an important molecular target and therapeutic target. This review will discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of MEOX1 in different diseases. [Display omitted] •MEOX1 is homologous domain transcription factor and plays an important role in cellular development and differentiation.•MEOX1 is first identified in fibrosis and involve in the progression.•MEOX1 is expressed in a variety of neoplastic diseases and is associated with tumor cell growth and metastasis.•Inhibition of MEOX1 can inhibit the progression of related diseases and may be a molecular target for disease treatment.