Forkhead Box Q1 Is Critical to Angiogenesis and Macrophage Recruitment of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in tumorigenesis. Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) is a well-established oncogene in multiple tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, whether FOXQ1 contributes to angiogenesis and TME modification in CRC remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate an essential role of FOXQ1-induced angiogenesis and macrophage recruitment in CRC that is related to its ability to promote the migration of endothelial cells and macrophages through activation of the EGF/PDGF pathway and the Twist1/CCL2 axis. We also provide evidence showing that the clinical significance between FOXQ1, Twist1, CCL2, and macrophage infiltration is associated with reduced 8-year survival in CRC patients. Our findings suggest FOXQ1 plays critical roles in the malignancy and progression of CRC, Therefore, FOXQ1 may serve as a therapeutic target for inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing macrophage recruitment in CRC.