NF-κB Inducing Kinase Attenuates Colorectal Cancer by Regulating Noncanonical NF-κB Mediated Colonic Epithelial Cell Regeneration

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dysregulated colonic epithelial cell (CEC) proliferation is a critical feature in the development of colorectal cancer. We show that NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) attenuates colorectal cancer through coordinating CEC regeneration/differentiation via noncanonical NF-κB signaling that is unique from canonical NF-kB signaling. METHODS: ) and conditional-knockout mice following administration of azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium. CONCLUSIONS: Dysregulated noncanonical NF-κB signaling is associated with the development of colorectal cancer in a tissue-dependent manner and defines a critical role for NIK in regulating gastrointestinal inflammation and regeneration associated with colorectal cancer.