Pathway
NF-κB
Last updated Sun May 17 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
What it is
NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) is a transcription-factor family (p65/RelA, p50, p52, c-Rel, RelB) that responds to pathogens, cytokines, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species. It drives expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and survival factors.
Why it matters in aging
NF-κB activity rises with age across tissues. Persistent activation is the central driver of:
- Inflammaging (Chronic inflammation).
- SASP secreted by senescent cells.
- Atherosclerosis progression.
- Cancer survival pathways.
- Neurodegeneration via microglial activation.
Cross-talk
- SIRT1 deacetylates p65 to silence NF-κB.
- AMPK opposes NF-κB; mTOR amplifies it.
- NLRP3 inflammasome activation feeds NF-κB output.
What modulates it
Most "anti-inflammatory" interventions act partly through NF-κB suppression: exercise, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, statins, GLP-1 agonists, colchicine.
Related entries
References
- Tilstra, J. S., Clauson, C. L., Niedernhofer, L. J. & Robbins, P. D. NF-κB in aging and disease. Aging Dis. 2, 449–465 (2011).