OVO-like Proteins in Cancer, Immunity, and Inflammation

The OVO-like (OVOL) proteins OVOL1–3 are evolutionarily conserved C2H2 zinc-finger transcription factors. Initially identified in Drosophila as regulators of germline development, these proteins have since been found to be key determinants of epithelial lineage and differentiation in mammals. Increasing evidence implicates OVOL proteins in human disease, particularly cancer, where they participate in diverse processes including metastasis, metabolic regulation, immunity, and inflammation modulation. In this review, current advances in OVOL-related research are summarized. First, the roles of OVOL proteins in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer metastasis, and cellular plasticity are addressed. The discussion then extends to emerging evidence for their involvement in metabolic reprogramming, immunity, and inflammation. Finally, open questions and future research directions are discussed.