ABSTRACT
Abstract: NF-κB is often constitutively activated in many carcinomas, including thyroid carcinoma. Activation of NF-κB may enhance the malignant character of cancer cells by producing cell survival proteins and in°ammatory cytokines. A potent and speciˆc NF-κB inhibitor (DHMEQ) of low molecular weight has been recently discovered. This inhibitor inhibits the constitutively activated NF-κB and induces apoptosis in thyroid carcinoma cells. It also effectively suppresses the growth of thyroid carcinoma cells in animals without showing any toxicity. The V600E mutation of BRAF was found to enhance NF-κB, MMP expression, and cell invasion in thyroid carcinoma dells. DHMEQ inhibits MMP expression and lowers the cell invasion activity. Thus, since NF-κB increases malignant behavior in thyroid cancer cells, inhibition of NF-κB holds promise as a novel chemotherapeutic agent.
