NFAT signaling dysregulation in cancer: Emerging roles in cancer stem cells

Abstract

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) was first identified as a transcriptional regulator of activated T cells. The NFAT family is involved in the development of tumors. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that NFAT proteins regulate the development of inflammatory and immune responses. New discoveries have also been made about the mechanisms by which NFAT regulates cancer progression through cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we discuss the role of the NFAT family in the immune system and various cancer types.

Keywords: Calcineurin-NFAT signaling; Cancer development and progression; Cancer stem cell (CSC); Glioma; NFAT; NFAT regulation.