NF-κB as a potential molecular target for cancer therapy

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), a transcription factor, plays an important role in carcinogenesis as well as in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. NF-kappa B induces the expression of diverse target genes that promote cell proliferation, regulate apoptosis, facilitate angiogenesis and stimulate invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, many cancer cells show aberrant or constitutive NF-kappa B activation which mediates resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy. Therefore, the inhibition of NF-kappa B activation and its signaling pathway offers a potential cancer therapy strategy. In addition, recent studies have shown that NF-kappa B can also play a tumor suppressor role in certain settings. In this review, we focus on the role of NF-kappa B in carcinogenesis and the therapeutic potential of targeting NF-kappa B in cancer therapy.