Phosphorylation of NF-κB in Cancer

Abstract

The proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor- κ B (NF- κ B) has emerged as a central player in inflammatory responses and tumor development since its discovery three decades ago. In general, aberrant NF- κ B activity plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and acquired resistance to chemotherapy. This aberrant NF- κ B activity frequently involves several post-translational modifications of NF- κ B, including phosphorylation. In this chapter, we will specifically cover the phosphorylation sites reported on the p65 subunit of NF- κ B and their relationship to cancer. Importantly, phosphorylation is catalyzed by different kinases using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the phosphorus donor. These kinases are frequently hyperactive in cancers and thus may serve as potential therapeutic targets to treat different cancers. κ B solid and hematological malignancies.