Regulation of I κB α Function and NF- κB Signaling: AEBP1 Is a Novel Proinflammatory Mediator in Macrophages

Abstract

NF- κB comprises a family of transcription factors that are critically involved in various inflammatory processes. In this paper, the role of NF- κB in inflammation and atherosclerosis and the regulation of the NF- κB signaling pathway are summarized. The structure, function, and regulation of the NF- κB inhibitors, I κB α and I κB β, are reviewed. The regulation of NF- κB activity by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling and I κB α sumoylation is also discussed. This paper focuses on the recently reported regulatory function that adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) exerts on NF- κB transcriptional activity in macrophages, in which AEBP1 manifests itself as a potent modulator of NF- κB via physical interaction with I κB α and a critical mediator of inflammation. Finally, we summarize the regulatory roles that recently identified I κB α-interacting proteins play in NF- κB signaling. Based on its proinflammatory roles in macrophages, AEBP1 is anticipated to serve as a therapeutic target towards the treatment of various inflammatory conditions and disorders.