Transglutaminase 2 and NF-κB: an odd couple that shapes breast cancer phenotype

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2013 Jan;137(2):329-36. doi: 10.1007/s10549-012-2351-7. Epub 2012 Dec 8.

Abstract

Owing to numerous pro-survival target genes, aberrant activation of the NF-κB transcription factor is associated with a drug-resistant phenotype and aggressive breast tumor behavior. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a ubiquitously expressed protein cross-linking enzyme, activates NF-κB through a non-conventional mechanism that disables the IκBα inhibitor. Our group has recently documented that the TG2 gene (termed TGM2) is a direct transcriptional target of NF-κB. These developments uncover a novel self-reinforcing molecular feedback loop where TG2 activates NF-κB and, in turn, NF-κB directly upregulates the transcription of TGM2. This manuscript reviews the literature that supports the existence of the TG2/NF-κB signaling loop, the nature of the signal transduction that activates this loop, and the phenotypic consequences stemming from the aberrant activation of this novel signaling mechanism in breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Transglutaminases / genetics*
  • Transglutaminases / metabolism*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • TGM2 protein, human
  • Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2
  • Transglutaminases
  • GTP-Binding Proteins