NFAT gene family in inflammation and cancer

M-G Pan1, Y Xiong, F Chen

  • 1Division of Oncology and Hematology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA. Minggui.Pan@kp.org

Current Molecular Medicine
|September 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway is vital for vertebrate development and function. This review explores its role in inflammation and cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Calcineurin-NFAT signaling is crucial for vertebrate development and physiological processes.
  • The NFAT gene family, with five members, regulates diverse functions including immune response, angiogenesis, and development.
  • NFAT signaling is implicated in both normal development and pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on Calcineurin-NFAT signaling.
  • To focus on the roles of NFAT in inflammation and cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on NFAT signaling pathways.
  • Synthesis of information regarding NFAT's involvement in inflammation and cancer.

Main Results:

  • NFAT signaling is essential for immune cell function and inflammatory responses.
  • NFAT plays a significant role in the development and metastasis of various cancers.
  • The pathway's involvement in angiogenesis and bone homeostasis is also highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • Calcineurin-NFAT signaling is a key regulator in both inflammatory diseases and cancer.
  • Understanding this pathway offers potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.
  • Further research into NFAT's multifaceted roles is warranted.

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