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Transcription factor NFAT, its role in cancer development, and as a potential target for chemoprevention

Haitian Lu1, Chuanshu Huan

  • 1Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA.

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|November 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway, particularly NFAT3, plays a critical role in carcinogen-induced cell transformation and tumor growth. Further research is needed to explore NFAT as a target for cancer prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) proteins are transcription factors crucial in immune responses.
  • The role of NFAT proteins in carcinogenesis remains largely unexplored.
  • This study investigates the NFAT pathway's involvement in cellular responses to carcinogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of the NFAT pathway in carcinogen-induced cellular changes.
  • To highlight the specific involvement of NFAT3 in cell transformation and tumorigenicity.
  • To review current understanding and future directions for NFAT as a cancer target.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental evidence and recent studies on NFAT function.
  • Analysis of NFAT involvement in cell cycle, differentiation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • Discussion of challenges and future research needs for NFAT-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Experimental data indicate NFAT3 is critical in carcinogen-induced cell transformation and tumorigenicity.
  • NFAT proteins are implicated in key cancer-related processes including cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • NFAT inhibitors are under development for targeted cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • The NFAT pathway, especially NFAT3, is significantly involved in carcinogenesis.
  • NFAT represents a potential therapeutic target for chemoprevention.
  • Further research is required to differentiate NFAT family member functions and validate therapeutic potential.

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