Regulation of IκBα function and NF-κB signaling: AEBP1 is a novel proinflammatory mediator in macrophages

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, IκBα and IκBα, are reviewed. The regulation of NF-κB activity by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling and IκBα 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 IκBα and a critical mediator of inflammation. Finally, we summarize the regulatory roles that recently identified IκBα-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.