NF-κB
NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) is a protein complex that controls the transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival. NF-κB is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, ultraviolet irradiation, oxidized LDL, and bacterial or viral antigens.
Structure[edit | edit source]
NF-κB is a protein complex made up of five proteins: p50, p52, p65 (RelA), c-Rel, and RelB. These proteins are held in the cytoplasm by a family of inhibitors, called IκBs, which control the activity of NF-κB/Rel proteins by masking their nuclear localization signals.
Function[edit | edit source]
NF-κB plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection. Incorrect regulation of NF-κB has been linked to cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, septic shock, viral infection, and improper immune development. NF-κB has also been implicated in processes of synaptic plasticity and memory.
Role in Disease[edit | edit source]
Alterations in NF-κB signaling pathways have been associated with a number of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, NF-κB can promote cell proliferation and prevent cell death, contributing to tumor growth and survival.
Therapeutic Target[edit | edit source]
Given its role in such a wide range of diseases, NF-κB is considered an important target for therapeutic intervention. Several drugs that inhibit NF-κB are currently under investigation for the treatment of various diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD