NF-kappa B

Abstract

Transcription factors provide the link between early membrane-proximal sign alling events and changes in gene expression. NF-kappa B is one of the best -characterized transcription factors. It is expressed ubiquitously and regu lates the expression of many genes, most of which encode proteins that play an important and often determining role in the processes of immunity and i nflammation. Apart from its role in these events, evidence has begun to acc umulate that NF-kappa B is involved in brain function, particularly followi ng injury and in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. NF-kappa B might also be important for viral replication in the CNS. An inv olvement of NF-kappa B in neuronal development is suggested from studies th at demonstrate its activation in neurones in certain regions of the brain d uring neurogenesis. Brain-specific activators of NF-kappa B include glutama te (via both AMPA/KA and NMDA receptors) and neurotrophins, pointing to an involvement in synaptic plasticity. NF-kappa B can therefore be considered as one of the most important transcription factors characterized in brain t o date and it might be as crucial for neuronal and glial cell function as i t is for immune cells.