NF-κB-Dependent and -Independent (Moonlighting) IκBα Functions in Differentiation and Cancer

I kappa B alpha is considered to play an almost exclusive role as inhibitor of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. However, previous results have demonstrated that SUMOylation imposes a distinct subcellular distribution, regulation, NF-kappa B-binding affinity and function to the I kappa B alpha protein. In this review we discuss the main alterations of I kappa B alpha found in cancer and whether they are (most likely) associated with NF-kappa B-dependent or NF-kappa B-independent (moonlighting) activities of the protein.

Automated summary

I kappa B alpha is known for inhibiting the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, but alterations found in cancer may be associated with either NF-kappa B-dependent or NF-kappa B-independent activities of the protein.