SOX factors as cell-state regulators in the mammary gland and breast cancer

Emerging evidence has shown that several SOX family transcription factors are key regulators of stem/progenitor cell fates in the mammary gland. These cell-fate regulators are often upregulated in breast cancer and contribute to tumor initiation and progression. They induce lineage plasticity and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. SOX factors act through modulating multiple oncogenic signaling pathways in breast cancer. In addition to the cell-autonomous functions, new evidence suggests they can shape the tumor immune microenvironment. Here, we will review the molecular and functional evidence linking SOX factors with mammary gland development and discuss how these cell-fate regulators are co-opted in breast cancer.

Automated summary

Emerging evidence suggests that SOX family transcription factors play crucial roles in regulating stem/progenitor cell fates in the mammary gland, and are upregulated in breast cancer, contributing to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. They modulate multiple oncogenic signaling pathways in breast cancer, inducing tumor invasion and metastasis while also shaping the tumor immune microenvironment.