Nuclear factor-KappaB as a common target and activator of oncogenes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas exhibit alterations in cell proliferation, survival (apoptosis), migration, angiogenesis and inflammation. The transcription factor nuclear factor-KappaB integrates multiple signals and regulates expression of multiple genes involved in these phenotypic responses, suggesting the hypothesis that nuclear factor-KappaB is an important molecular switch for development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nuclear factor-KappaB has been found to be constitutively activated, and a common target and activator of oncogenes in cancer. Because of its important role, activation of nuclear factor-KappaB by the proteasome and other signal molecules may provide targets for molecular therapy of squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers.