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Published on: May 14, 2021
The NF-kappaB/IkappaB signaling system: a molecular target in breast cancer therapy
1Department of Surgery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA. jtwu@bcm.tmc.edu
Abstract:
The nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) superfamily of eukaryotic transcription factors plays an important role in carcinogenesis. NF-kappaB and its regulators are linked to various signal transduction pathways as well as transcriptional activation events that mediate critical stages of cell proliferation. These intracellular signaling processes are thought to regulate chromatin structure to accommodate transcription, apoptosis, cell-cycle control, and cell transformation. In this capacity, uncontrolled or aberrant NF-kappaB activity may, in part, be responsible for breast cancer progression. Constitutive NF-kappaB expression may predict the metastatic potential of breast tumors, indicating early use of adjuvant therapy and suggesting NF-kappaB inhibition as a novel treatment. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms and physiological significance of NF-kappaB activation, and highlight recent advances in the development of NF-kappaB as an integral mediator of mammary carcinogenesis.
Insights
Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is crucial in cancer development. Aberrant NF-kappaB activity drives breast cancer progression and metastasis, suggesting NF-kappaB inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a key transcription factor superfamily involved in eukaryotic gene regulation.
- NF-kappaB signaling pathways are implicated in critical cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-cycle control.
- Dysregulation of NF-kappaB is increasingly recognized for its role in various cancers, particularly breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulatory mechanisms and physiological significance of NF-kappaB activation in carcinogenesis.
- To highlight the role of NF-kappaB in mediating mammary gland carcinogenesis.
- To discuss the potential of NF-kappaB as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
- Analysis of the role of NF-kappaB in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-cycle control.
- Examination of NF-kappaB expression in relation to breast cancer progression and metastasis.
Main Results:
- NF-kappaB regulates critical cellular processes that, when uncontrolled, contribute to cancer development.
- Aberrant NF-kappaB activity is linked to breast cancer progression and may predict metastatic potential.
- Constitutive NF-kappaB expression suggests its integral role in mammary carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- NF-kappaB is a significant mediator of mammary carcinogenesis.
- Targeting NF-kappaB signaling presents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
- Understanding NF-kappaB regulation is vital for developing effective adjuvant therapies.
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