Targeting transcription factors in cancer: Challenges and evolving strategies

As investigators uncover the molecular pathways leading to cancer, an abundance of potential molecular targets is accumulating. Among these targets, transcription factors are especially promising. This review discusses the reasons for focusing targeting efforts on transcription factors and highlights some salient examples. The advantages and problems with current methods for targeting are summarized. Finally, we discuss the drug delivery technologies in development that may one day make transcription factor targeting a therapeutic reality.

Section editors:Li-he Zhang – School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, ChinaKaixian Chen – Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China