Integrin-linked kinase as a novel molecular switch of the IL-6-NF-?B signaling loop in breast cancer.
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ABSTRACT: Substantial evidence has clearly demonstrated the role of the IL-6-NF-?B signaling loop in promoting aggressive phenotypes in breast cancer. However, the exact mechanism by which this inflammatory loop is regulated remains to be defined. Here, we report that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) acts as a molecular switch for this feedback loop. Specifically, we show that IL-6 induces ILK expression via E2F1 upregulation, which, in turn, activates NF-?B signaling to facilitate IL-6 production. shRNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of ILK disrupted this IL-6-NF-?B signaling loop, and blocked IL-6-induced cancer stem cells in vitro and estrogen-independent tumor growth in vivo Together, these findings establish ILK as an intermediary effector of the IL-6-NF-?B feedback loop and a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.
SUBMITTER: Hsu EC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5006214 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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