Exploring the oncogenic roles of T-box transcription factor TBX2 and its potential as a therapeutic target.

During embryonic development, the T-box transcription factor TBX2 regulates key processes such as cell fate decisions, migration and tissue morphogenesis, and mutations that lead to reduced TBX2 levels result in developmental abnormalities including congenital heart and skeletal defects. TBX2, on the other hand, is overexpressed in a plethora of cancers where it functions as a powerful oncogene contributing to processes ranging from the bypass of senescence and cell death pathways to the promotion of cell proliferation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to drive invasion and metastasis. Additionally, TBX2 has been implicated in conferring resistance to anti-cancer drugs resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes.