The NF-κB Pathway and Cancer Stem Cells

The NF-kappa B transcription factor pathway is a crucial regulator of inflammation and immune responses. Additionally, aberrant NF-kappa B signaling has been identified in many types of cancer. Downstream of key oncogenic pathways, such as RAS, BCR-ABL, and Her2, NF-kappa B regulates transcription of target genes that promote cell survival and proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and mediate invasion and metastasis. The cancer stem cell model posits that a subset of tumor cells (cancer stem cells) drive tumor initiation, exhibit resistance to treatment, and promote recurrence and metastasis. This review examines the evidence for a role for NF-kappa B signaling in cancer stem cell biology.