AP-1 a target for cancer prevention.

The transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. AP-1 activity is increased in multiple human tumor types. Inhibitors of AP-1 have been shown to block tumor promotion, transformation, progression and invasion. Chronic inflammation and tumor development are linked. AP-1 may act, in part, by perpetuating the inflammatory signal. AP-1 is a recognized molecular target of many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemopreventive compounds. This review focuses on the AP-1 family proteins as targets for chemoprevention.