EC Orthopaedics

The ability of cells to respond to environmental changes is essential for the performance of their physiological function. The activation of a receptor initiates a cascade of biochemical transformations that connect it to downstream effectors, often to modify gene expression patterns. Subsequently, downstream effectors, such as transcription factors, transform specific dynamic signaling patterns into a specific cellular response. The Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β (NF-kB), acronym of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of active B cells, and the proteins that regulate it, constitute a signaling system of primary importance in human physiology and in numerous pathologies where NFkB is required for adaptive changes in gene expression and tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, NF-kB is active in various steps of the immune system, such as in the differentiation of immune cells and lymphoid organs and during immune activation. NFkB is rapidly activated in response to various stimuli, including cytokines, infectious agents, free radicals, iNOS and COX-2 and increased expression of cartilage ECM degrading proteases.

 Keyword: NFkB; Gene Expression; Inflammation; Immune Activation

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