The role of FOXA subfamily factors in embryonic development and carcinogenesis of the pancreas

Embryonic development and carcinogenesis are controlled by many transcription factors, and regulatory systems involved in embryogenesis of an organ also participate in tumor development in the same organ. The FOX family proteins belong to transcription factors, which play a key role in these processes. The representatives of the FOXA subfamily, being pioneer factors, act at the very early stages of embryonic development by interacting with condensed chromatin and open the way for the expression of formerly silent important transcription factors. The role of these factors in tumor development has not been fully elucidated, although recent studies indicate a significant influence of the FOXA subfamily proteins at the early stages of the tumor development. This review is limited by the description of the role of the FOXA factors in embryogenesis of the pancreas and their significance in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.