IL-1 and EGF regulate expression of genes important in inflammation and cancer.

Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland. aneta.kasza@uj.edu.pl

Cytokine 2013 Apr

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This review focuses on the mechanisms by which the expression of specific genes is regulated by two proteins that are important in inflammation and cancer, namely the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In the review the receptors that recognize factors that cause inflammation are described with main focus on the receptors associated with activation of IL-1β. The function of IL-1β and pathways leading to activation of transcription factors, particularly NFκB and Elk-1 are analyzed. Then the mechanisms of EGF action, with particular emphasis of the activation of Elk-1 are illustrated. The link between aberrant signaling of EGF receptor family members and cancer development is explained. The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis is discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.