Regulation of IB Function and NF-B Signaling: AEBP1 Is a Novel Proinflammatory Mediator in Macrophages

Abstract

NF-B comprises a family of transcription factors that are critically involved in various inflammatory processes. In this paper, the role of NF-B in inflammation and atherosclerosis and the regulation of the NF-B signaling pathway are summarized. The structure, function, and regulation of the NF-B inhibitors, IB and I, are reviewed. The regulation of NF-B activity by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling and IB sumoylation is also discussed. This paper focuses on the recently reported regulatory function that adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) exerts on NF-B transcriptional activity in macrophages, in which AEBP1 manifests itself as a potent modulator of NF-B via physical interaction with IB and a critical mediator of inflammation. Finally, we summarize the regulatory roles that recently identified IB-interacting proteins play in NF-B 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.