What are forkhead transcription factors?

The forkhead family of transcription factors is characterized by a type of DNA-binding domain known as the forkhead box (FOX) (Weigel and Jackle, 1990). They are also called winged helix transcription factors because of the crystal structure of the FOX, of which the forkheads contain a well-differentiated subclass.

What is FOXO transcription?

FOXO transcription factors are conserved regulators of longevity downstream of insulin signaling. These transcription factors integrate signals emanating from nutrient deprivation and stress stimuli to coordinate programs of genes involved in cellular metabolism and resistance to oxidative stress.

How is FOXO1 activated?

When the level of blood glucose is high, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin then causes the activation of PI3K, which subsequently phosphorylates Akt. Akt then phosphorylates FOXO1, causing nuclear exclusion.

What is fork head?

Description. The fork head domain is a conserved DNA-binding domain (also known as a “winged helix”) of about 100 amino-acid residues.

What is the role of the FOXO gene What are the functions of some of the genes that FOXO controls?

FOXO factors are also involved in stress resistance via upregulation of catalase and MnSOD, two enzymes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Other FOXO target genes have been shown to play a role in glucose metabolism, cellular differentiation, muscle atrophy, and even energy homeostasis.

What regulates FoxO1?

The forkhead transcription factor Foxo1 is regulated by insulin via Akt-dependent phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion.

What are FOXO genes?

FOXO proteins are a subgroup of the Forkhead family of transcription factors. This family is characterized by a conserved DNA-binding domain (the ‘Forkhead box’, or FOX) and comprises more than 100 members in humans, classified from FOXA to FOXR on the basis of sequence similarity.

What is Forkhead family?

FOX (forkhead box) proteins are a family of transcription factors that play important roles in regulating the expression of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and longevity. Forkhead proteins are a subgroup of the helix-turn-helix class of proteins.

What does foxo stand for?

FOXO