Regulation of Mcl-1 by constitutive activation of NF-κB contributes to cell viability in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with a 5-year survival rate less than 15%. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ESCC becomes critical to develop more effective treatments.

Methods: Mcl-1 expression was measured by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and Western blotting.