FOXC1 Protein, Human (C-His)

FOXC1 is a DNA-binding transcriptional factor involved in a broad range of cellular and developmental processes, including eye, bone, cardiovascular, kidney, and skin development. It functions as either a transcriptional activator or repressor, binding to the consensus sequence 5'-[G/C][A/T]AAA[T/C]AA[A/C]-3' in target gene promoters and promoting DNA bending upon binding. FOXC1 also acts as a transcriptional coactivator, enhancing GLI2-mediated DNA binding to stimulate Indian hedgehog (Ihh)-induced target gene expression (By similarity), thereby regulating endochondral ossification. In breast cancer cells, it serves as a transcriptional coregulator by increasing GLI2's DNA-binding capacity. FOXC1 regulates FOXO1 by binding to the conserved element 5'-GTAAACAAA-3' in its promoter, influencing cell viability and oxidative stress resistance. Additionally, it cooperates with FOXC2 to regulate genes maintaining podocyte integrity (By similarity) and inhibits cell growth via TGFB1-mediated G1 phase arrest. FOXC1 is implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion, and controls CXCR4 expression in CXCL12-induced endothelial cell migration (By similarity). It is essential for epidermal keratinocyte terminal differentiation and positively regulates CXCL12 and stem cell factor expression in bone marrow mesenchymal progenitor cells, contributing to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) niche maintenance. During embryonic development, FOXC1 prevents blood and lymphatic vessel growth in a VEGF-dependent manner to ensure corneal transparency. Some evidence suggests it may function as a tumor suppressor.