Function of I?B kinase links inflammation and cancer / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

It has long been acknowledged that there is a link between inflammation and cancer, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. A key player in inflammation is nuclear transcription factor NF-?B, that activity is triggered in response to infectious agents and proinflammatory cytokines via the I?B kinase. In parenchyma cells, inflammation through I?B kinase/NF-?B pathway suppresses apoptosis, accelerates cell cycle, then promote tumorigenesis. In mesenchyma cells inflammation through I?B kinase/NF-?B pathway produces cytokines and chemokines that may serve as tumor growth factors. To sum up, I?B kinase/NF -?B pathway represents a critical molecular link between inflammation and cancer.