What is the Origin of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B?

NF-κB was first identified in the nucleus of B-cells, hence the name, and its profound role as a central mediator of inflammation was quickly established across various biological systems. In endocrinology, it represents a key intersection point where chronic stress hormones, metabolic signals, and inflammatory mediators converge to influence cellular fate.

What is the Mechanism of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B?

In its inactive state, NF-κB resides in the cytoplasm bound to an inhibitory protein, IκB. Upon stimulation by inflammatory signals, such as cytokines or chronic stress, IκB is phosphorylated and degraded, allowing the active NF-κB dimer to translocate to the cell nucleus. Once in the nucleus, it binds to specific DNA sequences to initiate the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, effectively translating a cellular stress signal into a broad inflammatory response.

Nuclear Factor-Kappa B ∞ Area

Nuclear Factor-Kappa B

Meaning

Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) is a protein complex that functions as a master transcriptional regulator, controlling the expression of a vast array of genes primarily involved in inflammatory and immune responses, cell proliferation, and cell survival. While essential for acute immune defense, chronic or inappropriate activation of NF-κB is a central driver of persistent systemic inflammation and is implicated in numerous chronic diseases, including those related to hormonal dysfunction.