NF-kappa B and apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells

A number of transcription factors have been identified as regulators of mam mary development, including Stat5 and C/EBP beta (1-3). In this review we s ummarize evidence which suggests that the NF-kappa B family of transcriptio n factors also has a role in mammary gland development. NF-kappa B was orig inally described as a mediator of inflammatory reactions and cellular respo nses to viral pathogens. More recently it has been shown to possess an anti -apoptotic effect in a variety of cell types by regulating apoptosis-relate d genes. In the light of this function in other tissues, and the observatio n that aberrant activation of NF-kappa B can be associated with mammary tum ors, we discuss the potential role of this transcription factor in modulati ng mammary epithelial apoptosis and involution of the mammary gland.