IκB

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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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

IκB Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD