Forkhead box A2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression and Targets BCL2-Associated X (BAX) Protein

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor in the world and substantial death cases are reported each year. We aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Methods: The expression levels of Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) in colorectal cancer tissues were first analyzed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). More multiple in vitro experiments established the role of FOXA2 in colorectal cancer progression. The potential downstream target of FOXA2 was identified by Western blot analysis. Results: FOXA2 expression level was significantly up-modulated in colorectal cancer specimens and cells (P < 0.05). Silencing FOXA2 remarkably inhibited colorectal cancer cells growth, invasion and migration. BCL2associated X (BAX) protein was identified as a potential downstream protein of FOXA2. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the essential role of FOXA2 in colorectal cancer progression and identified BAX protein as its potential target.