The oncogene FOXQ1 is a selective activator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling

The forkhead box transcription factor FOXQ1 is aberrantly induced in various cancers, and contributes to tumour growth and metastasis. It has been suggested that the oncogenic potential of FOXQ1 may be explained by its activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.However, the mode of action of FOXQ1 in the Wnt pathway remains to be resolved. Here we report that FOXQ1 is bimodal transcriptional activator of Wnt target gene expression in normal and cancer cells. Using co-immunoprecipitation, proximity proteomics, and reporter assays, we show that FOXQ1 engages the Wnt transcriptional complex to promote gene expressionvia TCF/LEF transcription factors.