Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and controlling various cellular processes in animals, including humans. It is a protein complex that is primarily involved in the immune response, inflammation, cell differentiation, growth, and cell survival.
NF-κB acts as a key mediator between extracellular signals and gene expression, allowing the cell to respond to diverse stimuli such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, viral and bacterial infections, physical stress, and other cellular insults. When activated, NF-κB translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, where it binds to specific DNA sequences called κB sites and initiates transcription of target genes.
This transcription factor is composed of subunits, mainly p50 and p65, although other subunits can also be part of the complex. The inactive form of NF-κB exists in the cytoplasm, being kept in check by inhibitors known as IκBs. Upon activation, IκBs are phosphorylated and degraded, allowing NF-κB to be released and translocate to the nucleus.
NF-κB targets numerous genes involved in immune responses, inflammation, cell growth, and survival, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and various enzymes. Dysregulation of NF-κB activity has been associated with numerous pathological conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Understanding the role of NF-κB in these processes is essential for developing therapeutic strategies that can modulate its activity and control the associated pathologies.
