Question

How does NF-κB induce gene expression?

a) Activation of phosphatases
b) Inhibition of transcription factors
c) Inhibition of gene expression
d) Translocation to the nucleus

Answer 1

Phosphorylation of IκB leads to its dissociation from NF-κB, enabling NF-κB to enter the nucleus and initiate gene transcription.

Step-by-step explanation:

NF-κB induces gene expression by translocating to the nucleus. This process begins when phosphorylation of the inhibitor IκB occurs, which results in the dissociation of the IκB-NF-κB complex. Following this, NF-κB is then free to move into the nucleus where it can bind to specific DNA sequences and stimulate transcription. The phosphorylation event is often mediated by protein kinases such as PKC, which inactivates IκB, the inhibitor, hence allowing NF-κB, a transcription factor, to act on the DNA.