Nuclear factor-kappa B

Nuclear factor-kappa B (or NF-κB) is a protein complex that controls transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival. NF-κB is found in almost all animal cell types and is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, heavy metals, ultraviolet irradiation, oxidized LDL, and bacterial or viral antigens. 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.

Structure

NF-κB is a fast-acting primary transcription factor. Unlike many other transcription factors, it is present in the cytosol in an inactive state, complexed with the inhibitory protein IκBα. Through the degradation of IκBα, NF-κB is released and translocates into the nucleus where it 'turns on' the expression of specific genes that have DNA-binding sites for NF-κB nearby.

Function

NF-κB is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, heavy metals, ultraviolet irradiation, oxidized LDL, and bacterial or viral antigens. 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.

Role in disease

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.

See also

• Transcription factor
• Cytokine
• Cell survival
• DNA transcription
• Immune response
• Cancer
• Inflammatory diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Septic shock
• Viral infection
• Synaptic plasticity
• Memory

Nuclear factor-kappa B Resources
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