Molecular cross-talk between the NFκB and STAT3 signaling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) involves the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor-suppressor proteins, together with the persistent activation of growth-promoting signaling pathways. The activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a frequent event in HNSCC. However, EGFR-independent mechanisms also contribute to the activation of key intracellular signaling routes, including signal transducer and activator of transcription- 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B), and Akt. Indeed, the autocrine activation of the gp130 cytokine receptor in HNSCC cells by tumor-released cytokines, such as IL-6, can result in the EGFR-independent activation of STAT3. In this study, we explored the nature of the molecular mechanism underlying enhanced IL-6 secretion in HNSCC cells. We found that HNSCC cells display an increased activity of the IL-6 promoter, which is dependent on the presence of an intact NF kappa B site. Furthermore, NF kappa B inhibition downregulated IL-6 gene and protein expression, and decreased the release of multiple cytokines. Interestingly, interfering with NF kappa B function also prevented the autocrine/paracrine activation of STAT3 in HNSCC cells. These findings demonstrate a cross-talk between the NF kappa B and the STAT3 signaling systems, and support the emerging notion that HNSCC results from the aberrant activity of a signaling network.