NFKB1

NFKB1 or Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NFKB1 gene. It is a part of the NFKB protein complex, which plays a crucial role in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, ultraviolet irradiation, and bacterial or viral antigens.

Structure

The NFKB1 protein is a 105 kDa protein that is a component of the NFKB complex. This complex consists of NFKB1 or NFKB2, REL, RELA, or RELB. The NFKB1 protein is synthesized as a precursor protein that undergoes processing by the proteasome to produce a 50 kDa protein.

Function

The NFKB1 protein complex functions as a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in immune response, inflammation, cellular growth, and apoptosis. The NFKB complex is held in the cytoplasm in an inactive state by the inhibitory protein IκB. Upon activation, IκB is phosphorylated, undergoes ubiquitination and degradation, thus allowing the NFKB complex to enter the nucleus and activate gene transcription.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the NFKB1 gene have been associated with various diseases including immunodeficiency syndrome, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, overexpression of NFKB1 has been observed and is associated with poor prognosis.

See also

• NFKB
• NFKB2
• REL
• RELA
• RELB
• IκB