HMGB1 and cancer: Overexpression of HMGB1 has been observed in several human cancers, such as breast cancer and colon cancer.34, 35 Importantly, HMGB1 contributes to chemoresistance in many types of cancer by activating autophagy.36, 37 HMGB2 is highly homologous to HMGB1, and it may have similar effects with regard to cancer development.