IκB

IκB (Inhibitor of kappa B) is a family of proteins that function to inhibit the NF-κB transcription factor. IκB proteins are part of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which regulates the transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival.

Structure

IκB proteins are characterized by the presence of multiple copies of an approximately 30 amino acid motif called ankyrin repeats. These repeats are involved in protein-protein interactions. The IκB family includes IκBα, IκBβ, IκBγ, IκBε, and Bcl-3.

Function

IκB proteins function by binding to NF-κB dimers in the cytoplasm, preventing them from entering the nucleus and activating gene transcription. The activation of NF-κB requires the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IκB by the proteasome. This process is mediated by the IκB kinase complex.

Role in disease

Alterations in the regulation of IκB proteins can lead to inappropriate activation of NF-κB, which has been implicated in a number of diseases, including inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer, viral infection, and improper immune development.

See also

• NF-κB
• NF-κB signaling pathway
• IκB kinase

References

IκB Resources
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