Transcriptional regulation via the NF-kappaB signaling module.
Stimulus-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, the central mediator of inflammatory responses and immune function, comprises a family of dimeric transcription factors that regulate diverse gene expression programs consisting of hundreds of genes. A family of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) proteins controls NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity and nuclear localization. IkappaB protein metabolism is intricately regulated through stimulus-induced degradation and feedback re-synthesis, which allows for dynamic control of NF-kappaB activity. This network of interactions has been termed the NF-kappaB signaling module. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular structures and biochemical mechanisms that determine NF-kappaB dimer formation and the signal-processing characteristics of the signaling module. We identify NF-kappaB-kappaB site interaction specificities and dynamic control of NF-kappaB activity as mechanisms that generate specificity in transcriptional regulation. We discuss examples of gene regulation that illustrate how these mechanisms may interface with other transcription regulators and promoter-associated events, and how these mechanisms suggest regulatory principles for NF-kappaB-mediated gene activation.
Hoffmann
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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. ahoffmann@ucsd.edu
Natoli
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Ghosh
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G
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D019281:Dimerization; D006801:Humans; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*
D016328:NF-kappa B; D004247:DNA