Use of transcription factors as agents and targets for drug development.
Cells respond to external signals by either activating or inhibiting key regulatory proteins of gene expression called transcription factors (TFs). Abnormal expression of these factors plays a critical role in many human cancers. Recently, many TFs have been identified and their structure-function relationship has been characterized. Such new information has been useful in designing new chemotherapeutic drugs targeting these regulatory proteins. This review discusses the use of dominant-negative (DN) mutants of TFs as inhibitors of cell growth, as well as possible strategies for screening potential inhibitors of TF activity.
Smith
L M
LM
Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Birrer
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D017354:Point Mutation; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D014157:Transcription Factors