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NF-κB Pathway

Meaning

The NF-κB Pathway, or Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway, is a critical, ubiquitously expressed protein complex that functions as a master transcriptional regulator of genes involved in inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In a resting state, NF-κB is sequestered in the cytoplasm, but upon activation by stressors, cytokines, or hormonal signals, it translocates to the nucleus to initiate gene transcription. Chronic activation of this pathway is a central driver of systemic inflammation and numerous age-related diseases.