Cell signaling review series

Signal transduction is pivotal for many, if not all, fundamental cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, transformation and programmed cell death.Deregulation of cell signaling may result in certain types of cancers and other human diseases.In three consecutive issues of Cell Research, starting from the current one, we are pleased to present a series of up-to-date and in-depth reviews about recent advances in many important frontiers in the field of signal transduction in the context of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, cancer and other human diseases, authored by a group of leading experts in the field.In the current issue, Michael Karin discusses the role of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex in bridging inflammation and cancer.By analyzing genetically manipulated mouse models, the author presents a comprehensive review on how IKKβ plays a critical role in tumor promotion through activation of NF-κB while IKKα is involved in metastatogenesis independently of NF-κB.Next, Zheng-gang Liu and colleagues discuss the role of Nox-1, one of the NADPH oxidases in the generation of superoxide/reactive oxygen species (ROS), in TNFα-induced necrotic cell death.The authors present an indepth review on the regulation of membrane ROS production and necrosis by the novel Nox-1-NOXO-1-Rac1 signaling complex in response to TNFα and its implications in the clearance of viral-infected cells.In the coming April issue, Jinbo Yang and George R Stark discuss the role of unphosphorylated STATs (U-STATs) in transcription and the regulation of gene expression.The authors present a comprehensive review on the novel mechanisms by which U-STATs, which are up-regulated by phosphorylated STATs in response to various extracellular stimuli, drive gene expression.Next, Melanie H Cobb and her colleagues discuss the con- Cell signaling review series