NF-kappaB is activated and promotes cell death in focal cerebral ischemia.
The transcription factor NF-kappaB is a regulator of cell death or survival. To investigate the role of NF-kappaB in neuronal cell death, we studied its activation in a rodent model of stroke. In the ischemic hemisphere, NF-kappaB was activated, as determined by increased expression of an NF-kappaB-driven reporter transgene, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in neurons and enhanced DNA binding of NF-kappaB subunits RelA and p50. In p50 knockout mice, ischemic damage was significantly reduced. This indicates a cell death-promoting role of NF-kappaB in focal ischemia. NF-kappaB may provide a new pharmacological target in neurologic disease.
Schneider
A
A
Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Martin-Villalba
A
A
Weih
F
F
Vogel
J
J
Wirth
T
T
Schwaninger
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016923:Cell Death; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000473:pathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D052002:NF-kappa B p50 Subunit; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA; D019076:Transgenes
D016328:NF-kappa B; D052002:NF-kappa B p50 Subunit; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA