title: The activator protein-1 transcription factor in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis.
abstract: Respiratory epithelium cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The multistep natural history of carcinogenesis can be considered as a gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations, resulting in the deregulation of cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that cross-talk between membrane and nuclear receptor signaling pathways along with the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cascade and its cofactor network represent a pivotal molecular circuitry participating directly or indirectly in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis. The crucial role of AP-1 transcription factor renders it an appealing target of future nuclear-directed anticancer therapeutic and chemoprevention approaches. In the present review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the implication of AP-1 proteins in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis, highlight the ongoing research, and consider the future perspectives of their potential therapeutic interest.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Michalis V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Karamouzis
authors.forename: Panagiotis A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Konstantinopoulos
authors.forename: Athanasios G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Papavassiliou
mesh_terms: D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk / Q000502:physiology; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D015398:Signal Transduction; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1