NF-kappaB and apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells.
A number of transcription factors have been identified as regulators of mammary development, including Stat5 and C/EBPbeta (1-3). In this review we summarize evidence which suggests that the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors also has a role in mammary gland development. NF-kappaB was originally described as a mediator of inflammatory reactions and cellular responses to viral pathogens. More recently it has been shown to possess an anti-apoptotic effect in a variety of cell types by regulating apoptosis-related genes. In the light of this function in other tissues, and the observation that aberrant activation of NF-kappaB can be associated with mammary tumors, we discuss the potential role of this transcription factor in modulating mammary epithelial apoptosis and involution of the mammary gland.
Clarkson
R W
RW
Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Watson
C J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D009024:Morphogenesis; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D016328:NF-kappa B; D014157:Transcription Factors