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Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
NOD-like receptor signaling in inflammation-associated cancers: From functions to targeted therapies
Peng Liu1, Ziwen Lu2, Lanlan Liu1
1Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
Background:
Recently, many studies have reported that some botanicals and natural products were able to regulate NOD-like receptor signaling. NOD-like receptors (NLRs) have been established as crucial regulators in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance. NLRs specifically sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns and respond by activating other signaling regulators, including Rip2 kinase, NF-κB, MAPK and ASC/caspase-1, leading to the secretion of various cytokines.
Purpose:
The aim of this article is to review the molecular mechanisms of NOD-like receptor signaling in inflammation-associated cancers and the NLRs-targeted botanicals and synthetic small molecules in cancer intervention.
Results:
Aberrant activation of NLRs occurs in various cancers, orchestrating the tissue microenvironment and potentiating neoplastic risk. Blocking NLR inflammasome activation by botanicals or synthetic small molecules may be a valuable way to prevent cancer progression. Moreover, due to the roles of NLRs in regulating cytokine production, NLR signaling may be correlated with senescence-associated secretory phenotype.
Conclusion:
In this review, we discuss how NLR signaling is involved in inflammation-associated cancers, and highlight the NLR-targeted botanicals and synthetic small molecules in cancer intervention.
Insights
Botanicals and natural products can regulate NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling, which is crucial in inflammation-associated cancers. Targeting NLRs with natural compounds or small molecules offers a promising strategy for cancer intervention and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are key regulators in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, cancer stemness, and chemoresistance.
- NLRs sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns, activating signaling pathways like Rip2 kinase, NF-κB, MAPK, and ASC/caspase-1, leading to cytokine secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of NLR signaling in inflammation-associated cancers.
- To explore NLR-targeted botanicals and synthetic small molecules for cancer intervention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NLR signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies targeting NLRs.
Main Results:
- Aberrant NLR activation is implicated in various cancers, influencing the tumor microenvironment and neoplastic risk.
- Blocking NLR inflammasome activation via botanicals or small molecules may prevent cancer progression.
- NLR signaling's role in cytokine production suggests a link to senescence-associated secretory phenotype.
Conclusions:
- NLR signaling pathways are significantly involved in inflammation-associated cancers.
- Botanicals and synthetic small molecules targeting NLRs show potential for cancer intervention and prevention.
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