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NF-kB Pathway

Meaning

The NF-kB Pathway, or Nuclear Factor-kappa B Pathway, is a central, evolutionarily conserved protein complex that functions as a transcription factor, governing the expression of a vast array of genes critical for inflammatory and immune responses, cell survival, and cellular proliferation. It operates as a rapid-response system, quickly translocating from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon activation to initiate genetic programming. Chronic, aberrant activation of this pathway is a key molecular signature implicated in persistent, low-grade systemic inflammation, which underlies many chronic diseases and endocrine dysfunctions.