Targeting activator protein 1 signaling pathway by bioactive natural agents: Possible therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention and intervention

Pharmacol Res. 2018 Feb:128:366-375. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.09.014. Epub 2017 Sep 23.

Abstract

Activator protein 1 (AP-1) is a key transcription factor in the control of several cellular processes responsible for cell survival proliferation and differentiation. Dysfunctional AP-1 expression and activity are involved in several severe diseases, especially inflammatory disorders and cancer. Therefore, targeting AP-1 has recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention and therapy. This review summarizes our current understanding of AP-1 biology and function as well as explores and discusses several natural bioactive compounds modulating AP-1-associated signaling pathways for cancer prevention and intervention. Current limitations, challenges, and future directions of research are also critically discussed.

Keywords: Activator protein 1; Apoptosis; Caffeic acid (PubChem CID: 689043); Cancer; Curcumin (PubChem CID: 969516); Inflammation; Isohamnetin (PubChem CID: 15817847); Kaempferide (PubChem CID: 5281666); Natural compounds; Quercetin (PubChem CID: 5280343); Resveratrol (PubChem CID: 445154); Viscolin (PubChem CID: 16079989).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor AP-1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Phytochemicals
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • Transcription Factor AP-1