The forkhead box transcription factor-2 (Foxa2) and lung disease

Abstract

Foxa2 [The forkhead box transcription factor-2; also known as HNF3B(hepatocyte nuclear factors-3), or TCF3B(transcription factor-3b) ] [Costa, 1989 #64], is a member of the Forkhead family of nuclear transcription factors that is highly expressed in respiratory epithelial cells lining conducting airways and in alveolar type Ⅱ cells in the development and mature lung. Foxa2 plays critical roles in lung development, which is required for normal lung maturation, surfactant protein and lipid synthesis, epithelial differentiation, and cross talking between epithelium and innate immune. Foxa2 can determine gene expression and cell fate in the lung, and is required for the suppression of Th2 immunity, mucus production, and goblet cell metaplasia in the developing lung in a process determined in part by its regulation of the Cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) pathway. Recent studies have implicated that Foxa2 is a suppressor of lung cancer. This review will summarize the role of Foxa2 in lung development, pulmonary diseases, and also the possible signaling pathways regulated by Foxa2.