Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Inflammation-related Carcinogenesis

ABSTRACT

The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in regulation of inflammation is well known. MAPK family is activated by various stimuli and involved in transmitting extracellular signals to nucleus leading to gene regulation. Inflammation is primary defensive response of host against microbes. Controlled inflammation is helpful and indispensable for host defense. However, uncontrolled inflammatory response leads to various inflammatory diseases and cancer. Persistent inflammation leads to cell proliferation and survival that plays crucial role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we recapitulate the recent knowledge of MAPK signaling and its roles in inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.