Transcription factors as therapeutic targets in lymphoid malignancies

Aberrant activation of transcription factors is frequently observed in lymphoid malignancies. Chromosomal abnormalities, genetic mutations, and/or activation of upstream molecules induce ectopic activation of transcription factors, which can remodel intracellular states by deregulating gene expression. A number of studies have shown that aberrant activity of transcription factors plays a crucial role in oncogenesis. Recent reports on specific inhibitors suggest that transcription factors could be feasible therapeutic targets. In this review, I describe the implications of transcription factors in oncogenesis as well as novel therapeutic approaches based on our previous findings including nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor, synthetic retinoid, and histone deacetylase inhibitor.