[The Rel/NF-kappa B transcription factors and their biological functions]

Cas Lek Cesk. 2001 Mar 29;140(6):163-7.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

The gene family of ubiquitous transcriptional factors Rel/NF-kappa B participates in several critical cellular events ultimately influencing the fate of a cell. In the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, the Rel/NF-kappa B proteins occur bound to their inhibitors, the I kappa B proteins. When stimulated, they become phosphorylated and degraded by 26S proteasome releasing Rel/NF-kappa B. Active Rel/NF-kappa B heterodimers then enter the nucleus, bind to a -kappa B coupling element and start transcription of kappa B-regulated array of genes involved in immune, antiapoptotic and inflammatory events. Part of the pharmacological effects of glucocorticoids, acetylosalicylic acid an ibuprofen may stand on influencing the Rel/NF-kappa B pathway. New compounds with cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties acting specifically on the cascade of Rel/NF-kappa B signaling system are expected to be synthesized.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • I-kappa B Proteins / physiology
  • NF-kappa B / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / drug effects
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • I-kappa B Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel
  • Transcription Factors