Function
NF-kB or Nuclear Factor NF-kappa is a DNA transcription factor. It is involved in cellular response to stimuli. NF-kB contains a Rel homology domain (RHR) which contains 2 immunoglobulin-like subdomains which interact with the major groove of DNA[1]. I-κ-B-α is an inhibitor of NF-kB.
There are 5 proteins in the NF-kB family:
- NF-kB1 (synthesized as p105 and processed to p50)
- NF-kB2 (synthesized as p100 and processed to p52)
- RelA (or p65 subunit of NF-kB)
- RelB
- cRel.
See also NF-kB (hebrew).
Relevance
NF-kB plays a critical role in cancer development and progression and may determine its response to therapy. NF-kB is a target for chemotherapeutic agents[2]. NF-kB is a critical link between inflammation and cancer[3].
