Roles of p53, NF-κB and the androgen receptor in controlling NGAL expression in prostate cancer cell lines
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL a.k.a lipocalin 2, lnc2) is a secreted protein which can form a complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). This MMP9/NGAL complex has been associated with metastasis. MMP9 and NGAL are detected in the urine of patients afflicted with many different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. The effects of p53, NF-κB and the androgen receptor (AR) on the expression of NGAL was examined in four prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate cancer cell lines that are AR negative and expressed either mutant or no p53 (DU145 and PC3) displayed higher levels of NGAL expression compared to the prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv-1) which are AR …
Emerging Raf inhibitors
The Raf/MAPK kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase pathway is often activated by genetic alterations in upstream signaling molecules. An integral component of this pathway, BRAF, is also activated by mutation, especially in melanoma and thyroid cancers. The Raf/MAPK kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase pathway has profound effects on proliferative, apoptotic and differentiation pathways as well as the sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.This review discusses targeting of Raf which could control abnormal proliferation in cancer and other proliferative diseases. The important roles that genetics plays in the response of patients to Raf inhibitors is also evalua…
Emerging MEK inhibitors
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is often activated by genetic alterations in upstream signaling molecules. Integral components of this pathway such as Ras and B-Raf are also activated by mutation. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway has profound effects on proliferative, apoptotic and differentiation pathways. This pathway can often be effectively silenced by MEK inhibitors. AREAS COVERED BY THIS REVIEW: This review will discuss targeting of MEK which could lead to novel methods to control abnormal proliferation which arises in cancer and other proliferative diseases. This review will cover the scientific literature from 1980 to present and is a follow on from a review which fo…