NF-kB in development and progression of human cancer

Virchows Arch. 2005 May;446(5):475-82. doi: 10.1007/s00428-005-1264-9. Epub 2005 Apr 27.

Abstract

The nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) comprises a family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of a wide variety of biological responses. NF-kB plays a well-known function in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation, but growing evidences support a major role in oncogenesis. NF-kB regulates the expression of genes involved in many processes that play a key role in the development and progression of cancer such as proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Aberrant or constitutive NF-kB activation has been detected in many human malignancies. In recent years, numerous studies have focused on elucidating the functional consequences of NF-kB activation as well as its signaling mechanisms. NF-kB has turned out to be an interesting therapeutic target for treatment of cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Division
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NF-kappa B / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • NF-kappa B