NF-kappa-B is a pleiotropic transcription factor which is present in almost all cell types and is involved in many biological processed such as inflammation, immunity, differentiation, cell growth, tumorigenesis and apoptosis. NF-kappa-B is a homo- or heterodimeric complex formed by the Rel-like domain-containing proteins RELA/p65, RELB, NF-KB1/p105, NF-KB1/p50, REL and NF-KB2/p52 and the heterodimeric p65-p50 complex appears to be most abundant one. The dimers bind at kappa-B sites in the DNA of their target genes and the individual dimers have distinct preferences for different kappa-B sites that they can bind with distinguishable affinity and specificity. Different dimer combinations act as transcriptional activators or repressors, respectively. Hou S, et al. (2003) J Biol Chem. 278(46): 45994-45998. Baeuerle P A, et al. (1994) Annu Rev Immunol. 12:141-179. Baeuerle P A, et al. (1996) Cell 87:13-20. Haskill S, et al. (1991) Cell 65:1281-1289.
