Inflammation & Immune Response WellnessSepsisLongevity

NF-κB

Nuclear Factor Kappa B

Also known as: NFKB1, RELA

Master transcription factor controlling the inflammatory gene expression program.

Biological Function

NF-κB is a family of transcription factors (primarily p65/RelA and p50) that regulate the expression of hundreds of pro-inflammatory genes. In unstimulated cells, NF-κB is sequestered in the cytoplasm by IκB inhibitors. Upon activation by TNF-α, IL-1, LPS, or oxidative stress, IκB is degraded and NF-κB translocates to the nucleus to drive transcription of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.

Why Biomeme Monitors This Target

NF-κB is the convergence point of inflammatory signaling. Nearly every anti-inflammatory intervention — from GLP-1 agonists to SIRT1 activation to exercise — works in part by suppressing NF-κB activity. Monitoring NF-κB target gene expression provides a unified readout of inflammatory pathway activity across diverse therapeutic interventions.

Expression Context

Constitutively suppressed in healthy resting cells. Activated by infection, tissue damage, inflammatory cytokines, and metabolic stress. Chronically active in obesity, aging, and cancer.