NF-κB Signal and Leukemia

Abstract: Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is broadly expressed in many types of tissue cells. It is involved in the regulation of a wide range of cell biological behaviors such as cell survival， proliferation， differentiation and inflammatory cytokine production. By its control of target gene expression， the NF-κB signal participates in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes. Deregulation of NF-κB signaling has been detected in large numbers of diseases， including infectious diseases and cancers， contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of such diseases. Studies have shown that NF-κB signaling is constitutively activated in a variety of leukemic cells，especially leukemia stem cells. Inactivation of NF-κB signaling can specifically kill leukemia stem cells while at the same time causing limited toxicity to normal hematopoietic stem cells， suggesting a potential target for designing novel anti-leukemia drugs. However， because of their potential for adverse side effects affecting other organs，the clinical application of NF-κB inhibitors is limited. In this review， we summarize the molecular mechanism by which the NF-κB signal is activated and transduced. We also discuss the role of NF-κB signaling in the initiation and progression of leukemia， as well as the potential application of NF-κB inhibitors in the clinical treatment of leukemia.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2013.04.0017