Potential drug target is based on the oncogene IKBKE
Widely known for its effect on lung cancer, tobacco smoke can also fuel non–small cell lung cancer by altering cell production and survival regulatory pathways, according to recent studies.
Now, researchers have identified a potential drug target for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer, based on the oncogene IKBKE.
In the study, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers determined that 2 carcinogens found in tobacco smoke stimulate IKBKE: nicotine and a nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone. Although previously associated with breast and prostate cancers, this study is the first to link IKBKE overexpression with tobacco smoke and tobacco-induced lung cancer.
“Since the IKBKE kinase overexpression is induced by tobacco smoke and IKBKE levels increase in response to nicotine and nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone, this evidence can be potentially used to develop a non–small cell lung cancer intervention strategy that targets IKBKE,” said lead author Jin Q. Cheng.
The study was recently published online in Oncogene.
Source: Moffitt Cancer Center.