FOXM1: From cancer initiation to progression and treatment

The Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor is a regulator of myriad biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Elevated FOXM1 expression is found in cancers of the liver, prostate, brain, breast, lung, colon, pancreas, skin, cervix, ovary, mouth, blood and nervous system, suggesting it has an integral role in tumorigenesis. Recent research findings also place FOXM1 at the centre of cancer progression and drug sensitivity. In this review the involvement of FOXM1 in various aspects of cancer, in particular its role and regulation within the context of cancer initiation, progression, and cancer drug response, will be summarised and discussed. ► The FOXM1 transcription factor is a regulator of a broad range of biological processes. ► Elevated and deregulated FOXM1 expression is found in a wide spectrum of cancers. ► FOXM1 also plays a central role in cancer initiation, progression and anti-cancer drug resistance. ► This review summarises the role and regulation of FOXM1 in various aspects of cancer.