NF-κB is essential for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in a model of breast cancer progression

The transcription factor NF-B is activated in a range of human cancers and is thought to promote tumorigenesis, mainly due to its ability to protect transformed cells from apoptosis. To investigate the role of NF-B in epithelial plasticity and metastasis, we utilized a well-characterized in vitro/in vivo model of mammary carcinogenesis that depends on the collaboration of the Ha-Ras oncoprotein and TGF-. We show here that the IKK-2/IB/NF-B pathway is required for the induction and maintenance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibition of NF-B signaling prevented EMT in Ras-transformed epithelial cells, while activation of this pathway promoted the transition to a mesenchymal phenotype even in the…

• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft