Nuclear factor-kappaB and the hepatic inflammation-fibrosis-cancer axis.
Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcriptional regulator of genes involved in immunity, inflammatory response, cell fate, and function. Recent attention has focused on the pathophysiological role of NF-kappaB in the diseased liver. In vivo studies using rodent models of liver disease and cell-targeted perturbation of NF-kappaB activity have revealed complex and multicellular functions in hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma - a process we have termed the "inflammation-fibrosis-cancer axis". This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and provides insight into the vast complexity of the hepatic NF-kappaB signaling system, which should provide a rich source of new therapeutic targets.
Liver Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Ahmed M
AM
Elsharkawy
Derek A
DA
Mann
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology*; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000502:physiology
D016328:NF-kappa B; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors