Trametinib, a novel MEK kinase inhibitor, suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production and endotoxin shock.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the most prominent pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), activates macrophages, causing release of toxic cytokines (i.e. tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) that may provoke inflammation and endotoxin shock.

A gene signature-based approach identifies mTOR as a regulator of p73.

Although genomic technologies have advanced the characterization of gene regulatory networks downstream of transcription factors, the identification of pathways upstream of these transcription factors has been more challenging. In this study we present a gene signature-based approach for connecting signaling pathways to transcription factors, as exemplified by p73. We generated a p73 gene signature by integrating whole-genome chromatin immunoprecipitation and expression profiling.

Loss of p63 leads to increased cell migration and up-regulation of genes involved in invasion and metastasis.

p63, a homologue of the tumor suppressor p53, is critical for the development and maintenance of squamous epithelia. p63 is specifically expressed in the basal layers of stratified epithelial tissues and is considered a specific marker for cells of this type. The role of p63 in tumorigenesis remains poorly defined.

Interaction of human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) with the tumor suppressor protein p53 in cells and cell-free systems.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) has been proposed to stabilize p53 via a redox mechanism involving oxidation of NAD(P)H as a consequence of the catalytic activity of NQO1. We report that treatment of HCT-116 human colon carcinoma cells with the NQO1 inhibitor ES936 had no effect on the levels of p53 protein. ES936 is a mechanism-based inhibitor of NQO1 that irreversibly blocks the catalytic function of the enzyme.