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While the link between inflammation and tumor promotion
has been known for some time, it has recently been shown
that IKK complex and NF-kB play a role in tumor promotion.
In this invention, the scientists describe a mechanism
in which IKK alpha activation specifically promotes
prostate cancer metastasis, and how this can then be
prevented.
The inventors teach a way to inhibit a signaling pathway,
through which activation of IKK alpha results in a repression
of maspin, a critical suppressor of prostate and breast
cancer metastasis. By blocking the pathway with a small
molecule inhibitor at IKK alpha , the emergence of metastasis
can be blocked. In mice, it was shown that levels of
activated nuclear IKK alpha correlate with prostate
cancer progression and links inflammatory signaling
to metastasis.
Case No: SD2007-141
Inquiries To: invent@ucsd.edu
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