Distinct roles of diverse nuclear factor-kappa B complexes in neuropathological mechanisms

The nuclear transcription factors kappa B (NF-kappa B) function as key regulators of physiological processes in the central nervous system. Aberrant regulation of NF-kappa B can underlie neurological disorders associated with neurodegeneration. A large number of studies have reported a dual role of NF-kappa B in regulating neuron survival in pathological conditions. A recent progress in understanding the mechanisms responsible for opposite effects elicited by NF-kappa B in brain dysfunctions arises from the identification of diverse NF-kappa B complexes specifically involved in the mechanism of neuronal cell death or cell survival. We here discuss the latest findings and consider the therapeutic potential of targeting distinct NF-kappa B complexes for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and memory dysfunctions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.