New insights into the role of nuclear factor-κB, a ubiquitous transcription factor in the initiation of diseases

• Published in: Clinical chemistry (Baltimore, Md.) Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 7 - 17
• Main Authors: FEI CHEN, CASTRANOVA, V, XIANCLIN SHI, DEMERS, L. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Association for Clinical Chemistry 1999
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Molecular and cellular biology; Molecular genetics; Transcription. Transcription factor. Splicing. Rna processing; Target; Cell function; Treatment; Development; Review; Transcription factor NFκB; Carcinogenesis; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 0009-9147; 1530-8561
• DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/45.1.7

Abstract Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that governs the expression of genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, and some acute phase proteins in health and in various disease states. NF-κB is activated by several agents, including cytokines, oxidant free radicals, inhaled particles, ultraviolet irradiation, and bacterial or viral products. Inappropriate activation of NF-κB has been linked to inflammatory events associated with autoimmune arthritis, asthma, septic shock, lung fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, atherosclerosis, and AIDS. In contrast, complete and persistent inhibition of NF-κB has been linked directly to apoptosis, inappropriate immune cell development, and delayed cell growth. Therefore, development of modulatory strategies targeting this transcription factor may provide a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment or prevention of various diseases.