Armando van der Horst has unraveled a number of secrets on the regulation of the activity of Forkhead box O transcription factors (FOXOs). An important function performed by FOXOs is inhibiting cell division. Van der Horst discovered that oxidative stress successively brings about the monoubiquitation and acetylation of FOXOs. These changes increase and decrease the activity of the FOXOs respectively, which leads to either less or more cell division.
Van der Horst also discovered that in a number of types of cancer an overactive protein counteracts the monoubiquitation of FOXO and in this way stimulates cell division, whereas a protein that extends the life span eliminates the acetyl group in FOXO and so inhibits cell division. Because FOXO activity is disrupted in diabetes patients and patients with certain types of cancer, this new knowledge could be used to develop new forms of diabetes and cancer therapies.
Armando van der Horst
Posttranslational modifications of Forkhead box O transcription factors
PhD advisor: Prof. B.M.T. Burgering
25 April 2006 02:30 PM, Academiegebouw, Domplein 29, Utrecht