NF-kappaB: key mediator of inflammation-associated cancer.
The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors, well-known for regulating immune and inflammatory responses, has recently been identified as a molecular link between chronic inflammation and cancer. Using distinct models of inflammation-associated cancer, three recent reports now show the importance of NF-kappa B in promoting cancer progression during inflammation (Greten et al., Cell 2004, 118:285-96; Luo et al., Cancer Cell 2004, 6:297-305, Pikarsky et al., Nature 2004, 431:461-6). Results from these studies suggest that NF-kappa B exerts its oncogenic effects in both tumor cells and in the tumor microenvironment, promoting the survival of premalignant epithelial cells while also stimulating release of pro-inflammatory mediators from activated macrophages that promote tumor growth.
Ditsworth
Dara
D
Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Zong
Wei-Xing
WX
D000818:Animals; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D016328:NF-kappa B