ANGPTL1, Foxo3a-Sox2, and colorectal cancer metastasis

In the present commentary, we discuss new observations stating that angiopoietin-like pro-tein 1 (ANGPTL1) attenuates cancer metastasis and stemness through Forkhead box O-3a (Foxo3a)-SRY-related HMG-box-2 (Sox2) axis in colorectal cancer (Clin. Sci. (2022) 136, 657-673, https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20220043). ANGPTL1 has been reported to play a crit-ical role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Here, we integrate the possible mechanisms for ANGPTL1 inhibiting colorec-tal cancer liver metastasis and discuss the regulation of ANGPTL1 on the Foxo3a-Sox2 pathway. Although ANGPTL1 showed multifunctional potential, there is still a long way to go for ANGPTL1 to be an effective treatment strategy in the clinic.

Automated summary

In this commentary, new observations suggest that angiopoietin-like protein 1 (ANGPTL1) attenuates cancer metastasis and stemness in colorectal cancer through the Forkhead box O-3a (Foxo3a)-SRY-related HMG-box-2 (Sox2) axis. Although ANGPTL1 plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis, the underlying mechanisms are still controversial. The possible mechanisms of ANGPTL1 inhibiting colorectal cancer liver metastasis are integrated, and the regulation of ANGPTL1 on the Foxo3a-Sox2 pathway is discussed. However, further research is needed for ANGPTL1 to become an effective treatment strategy in the clinic.