HOXC6-TIMELESS axis: Unveiling novel therapeutic strategies in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a highly invasive malignancy with limited targeted therapies. Lu et al reveal the oncogenic role of HOXC6 in BLCA by showing its elevated mRNA and protein levels in cancerous tissues. Silencing HOXC6 significantly inhibits BLCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induces apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle at G0/G1. In addition, HOXC6 also regulates pathways related to chemical carcinogenesis and reactive oxygen species, with a strong association with the target gene TIMELESS, supported by binding signals in its promoter region. Here, we discuss the role of HOXC6 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target, contributing to a deeper understanding of the HOXC6-TIMELESS axis and its implications for advancing BLCA research and therapy.