Nuclear factor-κB and inhibitor of κB kinase pathways in oncogenic initiation and progression

Abundant data support a key role for the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) signa ling pathway in controlling the initiation and progression of human cancer. NF-kappa B and associated regulatory proteins such as I kappa B kinase (IKK) are activated downstream of many onco-proteins and there is much evidence for the activation of NF-kappa B-dependent target genes in a variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which the NF-kappa B pathway is activated in cancer and on the oncogenic functions controlled by activated NF-kappa B. Additionally, the effects of NF-kappa B activation in tumors relative to cancer therapy are also discussed.