Diverse effects of BCL3 phosphorylation on its modulation of NF-kappaB p52 homodimer binding to DNA

Expanded nuclear roles for IkappaBs

I kappa B (IkappaB) was initially identified as a factor that inhibits DNA binding and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Recently, however, IkappaB family members have demonstrated direct nuclear roles in regulating NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Some IkappaB proteins, including IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta, can regulate transcription by modulating the concentration of active NF-kappaB complexes within the nucleus. Others, such as IkappaBzeta and Bcl-3, can directly activate transcription by forming transcriptional complexes at gene promoters. Thus, IkappaB proteins play important nuclear roles in regulating NF-kappaB-dependent transcription after stimulation with various extracellular signals.

BCL-3 and NF-kappaB p50 attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Following its induction, TNFalpha gene transcription is rapidly attenuated, in part due to the accumulation of NF-kappaB p50 homodimers that bind to three kappaB sites in the TNFalpha promoter. Here we have investigated the inhibitory role of BCL-3, an IkappaB-like protein that interacts exclusively with p50 and p52 homodimers. BCL-3 was induced by LPS with delayed kinetics and was associated with p50 in the nucleus. Forced expression of BCL-3 suppressed LPS-induced transcription from the TNFalpha promoter and inhibited two artificial promoters composed of TNFalphakappaB sites that preferentially bind p50 dimers. BCL-3-mediated repression was reversed by trichostatin A and was enhanced by overexpression of HDAC-1, indicating that transcriptional attenuation involves recruitment of histone deacetylase. Analysis of macrophages from p50 and BCL-3 knock-out mice revealed that both transcription factors negatively regulate TNFalpha expression and that BCL-3 inhibits IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. In contrast, induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was reduced in BCL-3 null macrophages. BCL-3 was not required for the production of p50 homodimers but BCL-3 expression was severely diminished in p50-deficient cells. Together, these findings indicate that p50 and BCL-3 function as anti-inflammatory regulators in macrophages by attenuating transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating IL-10 expression.

Bcl-3 and NFκB p50-p50 Homodimers Act as Transcriptional Repressors in Tolerant CD4+ T Cells

The transcriptional events that control T cell tolerance are still poorly understood. To investigate why tolerant T cells fail to produce interleukin (IL)-2, we analyzed the regulation of NFkappaB-mediated transcription in CD4(+) T cells after tolerance induction in vivo. We demonstrate that a predominance of p50-p50 homodimers binding to the IL-2 promoter kappaB site in tolerant T cells correlated with repression of NFkappaB-driven transcription. Impaired translocation of the p65 subunit in tolerant T cells was a result from reduced activation of IkappaB kinase and poor phosphorylation and degradation of cytosolic IkappaBs. Moreover, tolerant T cells expressed high amounts of the p50 protein. However, the increased expression of p50 could not be explained by activation-induced de novo synthesis of the precursor p105, which was constitutively expressed in tolerant T cells. We also demonstrate the exclusive induction of the IkappaB protein B cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) in tolerant T cells as well as its specific binding to the NFkappaB site. These results suggest that the cellular ratio of NFkappaB dimers, and thus the repression of NFkappaB activity and IL-2 production, are regulated at several levels in tolerant CD4(+) T cells in vivo.

Crystal Structure of Human Pirin

Pirin is a newly identified nuclear protein that interacts with the oncoprotein B-cell lymphoma 3-encoded (Bcl-3) and nuclear factor I (NFI). The crystal structure of human Pirin at 2.1-A resolution shows it to be a member of the functionally diverse cupin superfamily. The structure comprises two beta-barrel domains, with an Fe(II) cofactor bound within the cavity of the N-terminal domain. These findings suggest an enzymatic role for Pirin, most likely in biological redox reactions involving oxygen, and provide compelling evidence that Pirin requires the participation of the metal ion for its interaction with Bcl-3 to co-regulate the NF-kappaB transcription pathway and the interaction with NFI in DNA replication. Substitution of iron by heavy metals thus provides a novel pathway for these metals to directly influence gene transcription. The structure suggests an interesting new role of iron in biology and that Pirin may be involved in novel mechanisms of gene regulation.

Synergy between all-trans retinoic acid and tumor necrosis factor pathways in acute leukemia cells

The nuclear receptor ligand all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) causes dramatic terminal differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells in vitro and in patients, but it is less active in other malignancies. However, downstream mediators of the effects of ATRA are not well understood. We used a cDNA microarray to search for ATRA-regulated genes in the APL cell line NB4 and found that ATRA regulated several members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway. Here we show that TNF can synergize with ATRA to induce differentiation, showing monocytic characteristics more typical of differentiation mediated by TNF than by ATRA. ATRA and TNF can also induce differentiation of the non-APL cell line U937. Underlying this response was an increase in TNF-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) DNA binding within 2 hours in the presence of ATRA and activation of NF-kappaB DNA binding and transcriptional activity in response to ATRA alone within 48 hours of ATRA treatment. Furthermore, we found a synergistic induction of the NF-kappaB target genes BCL-3, Dif-2, and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) in response to the combination of TNF and ATRA. These genes have been previously shown to play a role in TNF signaling, and amplification of such genes may represent a mechanism whereby TNF and ATRA can act synergistically. We propose that ATRA can prime cancer cells for differentiation triggered by TNF and suggest that targeting the TNF pathway in combination with ATRA may represent a novel route to treat leukemias.

p53 represses cyclin D1 transcription through down regulation of Bcl-3 and inducing increased association of the p52 NF-kappaB subunit with histone deacetylase 1

The p53 and NF-kappaB transcription factor families are important, multifunctional regulators of the cellular response to stress. Here we have investigated the regulatory mechanisms controlling p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and cross talk with NF-kappaB. Upon induction of p53 in H1299 or U-2 OS cells, we observed specific repression of cyclin D1 promoter activity, correlating with a decrease in cyclin D1 protein and mRNA levels. This repression was dependent on the proximal NF-kappaB binding site of the cyclin D1 promoter, which has been shown to bind the p52 NF-kappaB subunit. p53 inhibited the expression of Bcl-3 protein, a member of the IkappaB family that functions as a transcriptional coactivator for p52 NF-kappaB and also reduced p52/Bcl-3 complex levels. Concomitant with this, p53 induced a significant increase in the association of p52 and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Importantly, p53-mediated suppression of the cyclin D1 promoter was reversed by coexpression of Bcl-3 and inhibition of p52 or deacetylase activity. p53 therefore induces a transcriptional switch in which p52/Bcl-3 activator complexes are replaced by p52/HDAC1 repressor complexes, resulting in active repression of cyclin D1 transcription. These results reveal a unique mechanism by which p53 regulates NF-kappaB function and cell cycle progression.

X-ray crystal structure of an IkappaBbeta x NF-kappaB p65 homodimer complex

We report the crystal structure of a murine IkappaBbeta x NF-kappaB p65 homodimer complex. Crystallographic models were determined for two triclinic crystalline systems and refined against data at 2.5 and 2.1 A. The overall complex structure is similar to that of the IkappaBalpha.NF-kappaB p50/p65 heterodimer complex. One NF-kappaB p65 subunit nuclear localization signal clearly contacts IkappaBbeta, whereas a homologous segment from the second subunit of the homodimer is mostly solvent-exposed. The unique 47-amino acid insertion between ankyrin repeats three and four of IkappaBbeta is mostly disordered in the structure. Primary sequence analysis and differences in the mode of binding at the IkappaBbeta sixth ankyrin repeat and NF-kappaB p65 homodimer suggest a model for nuclear IkappaBbeta.NF-kappaB.DNA ternary complex formation. These unique structural features of IkappaBbeta may contribute to its ability to mediate persistent NF-kappaB activation.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of the IkappaB protein MAIL in B-lymphocytes and macrophages

Molecule possessing ankyrin-repeats induced by lipopolysaccharide (MAIL), a recently cloned nuclear IkappaB protein induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in lymphoid organs, is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. The present in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the distinct expression of the MAIL mRNA and protein in B-lymphocytes of the white pulp of the spleen and cortical lymphoid follicles of lymph nodes in LPS-injected mice. MAIL signals were also localized in F4/80-positive macrophages in these organs. LPS clearly induced MAIL expression in cultured B-lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, but only faintly so in T-lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. MAIL was also induced by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and -6, and tumor necrosis factor in cultured cells. Northern blot, Western blot, and in situ hybridization analyses showed that the major expression product of the Mail gene was a long splicing variant (MAIL-L) rather than a short one, both in lymphoid organs and cultured cells. These results collectively indicate that LPS induces MAIL-L predominantly in B-lymphocytes and macrophages.

p105.Ikappa Bgamma and prototypical Ikappa Bs use a similar mechanism to bind but a different mechanism to regulate the subcellular localization of NF-kappa B

p105, also known as NF-kappaB1, is an atypical IkappaB molecule with a multi-domain organization distinct from other prototypical IkappaBs, like IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta. To understand the mechanism by which p105 binds and inhibits NF-kappaB, we have used both p105 and its C-terminal inhibitory segment known as IkappaBgamma for our study. We show here that one IkappaBgamma molecule binds to NF-kappaB dimers wherein at least one NF-kappaB subunit is p50. We suggest that the obligatory p50 subunit in IkappaBgamma.NF-kappaB complexes is equivalent to the N-terminal p50 segment in all p105.NF-kappaB complexes. The nuclear localization signal (NLS) of the obligatory p50 subunit is masked by IkappaBgamma, whereas the NLS of the nonobligatory NF-kappaB subunit is exposed. Thus, the global binding mode of all IkappaB.NF-kappaB complexes seems to be similar where one obligatory (or specific) NF-kappaB subunit makes intimate contact with IkappaB and the nonobligatory (or nonspecific) subunit is bound primarily through its ability to dimerize. In the case of IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta, the specific NF-kappaB subunit in the complex is p65. In contrast to IkappaBalpha.NF-kappaB complexes, where the exposed NLS of the nonspecific subunit imports the complex to the nucleus, p105.NF-kappaB and IkappaBgamma.NF-kappaB complexes are cytoplasmic. We show that the death domain of p105 (also of IkappaBgamma) is essential for the cytoplasmic sequestration of NF-kappaB by p105 and IkappaBgamma. However, the death domain does not mask the exposed NLS of the complex. We also demonstrate that the death domain alone is not sufficient for cytoplasmic retention and instead functions only in conjunction with other parts in the three-dimensional scaffold formed by the association of the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) and NF-kappaB dimer. We speculate that additional cytoplasmic protein(s) may sequester the entire p105.NF-kappaB complex by binding through the death domain and other segments, including the exposed NLS.

Attenuated transcriptional responses to oxidative stress in the aged rat brain

The aged nervous system displays impaired cognitive functions, and these impairments are exacerbated in several neurodegenerative diseases. A role for oxidative stress has been suggested for several of these age-associated dysfunctions. In addition, recovery from more acute traumatic insults that also generate oxidative stress is impaired in the aged. Here we examine the response of aged rat hippocampi to normobaric hyperoxia treatments and demonstrate an attenuation in the DNA binding activity of the AP-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B transcription factors, which are important components of stress response signal transduction pathways and can determine shifts in cellular commitments to necrosis, apoptosis, or functional recovery in the central nervous system.

Activation of an alternative NF-kappaB pathway in skeletal muscle during disuse atrophy

Although cytokine-induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathways are involved in muscle wasting subsequent to disease, their potential role in disuse muscle atrophy has not been characterized. Seven days of hind limb unloading led to a 10-fold activation of an NF-kappaB-dependent reporter in rat soleus muscle but not the atrophy-resistant extensor digitorum longus muscle. Nuclear levels of p50 were markedly up-regulated, c-Rel was moderately up-regulated, Rel B was down-regulated, and p52 and p65 were unchanged in unloaded solei. The nuclear IkappaB protein Bcl-3 was increased. There was increased binding to an NF-kappaB consensus oligonucleotide, and this complex bound antibodies to p50, c-Rel, and Bcl-3 but not other NF-kappaB family members. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 protein were moderately down-regulated. There was no difference in p38, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase or Akt activity, nor were activator protein 1 or nuclear factor of activated T cell-dependent reporters activated. Thus, whereas several NF-kappaB family members are up-regulated, the prototypical markers of cytokine-induced activation of NF-kappaB seen with disease-related wasting are not evident during disuse atrophy. Levels of an anti-apoptotic NF-kappaB target, Bcl-2, were increased fourfold whereas proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak decreased. The evidence presented here suggests that disuse muscle atrophy is associated with activation of an alternative NF-kappaB pathway that involves the activation of p50 but not p65.

Crystal structure of the ankyrin repeat domain of Bcl-3: a unique member of the IkappaB protein family

IkappaB proteins associate with the transcription factor NF-kappaB via their ankyrin repeat domain. Bcl-3 is an unusual IkappaB protein because it is primarily nucleoplasmic and can lead to enhanced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription, unlike the prototypical IkappaB protein IkappaBalpha, which inhibits NF-kappaB activity by retaining it in the cytoplasm. Here we report the 1.9 A crystal structure of the ankyrin repeat domain of human Bcl-3 and compare it with that of IkappaBalpha bound to NF-kappaB. The two structures are highly similar over the central ankyrin repeats but differ in the N-terminal repeat and at the C-terminus, where Bcl-3 contains a seventh repeat in place of the acidic PEST region of IkappaBalpha. Differences between the two structures suggest why Bcl-3 differs from IkappaBalpha in selectivity towards various NF-kappaB species, why Bcl-3 but not IkappaBalpha can associate with its NF-kappaB partner bound to DNA, and why two molecules of Bcl-3 but only one of IkappaBalpha can bind to its NF-kappaB partner. Comparison of the two structures thus provides an insight into the functional diversity of IkappaB proteins.

Gene array analysis reveals changes in peripheral nervous system gene expression following stimuli that result in reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1: induction of transcription factor Bcl-3

The earliest events within the peripheral mammalian nervous system that cause herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to reactivate from latency are unknown but are highly likely to include altered regulation of cellular transcription factors. Using gene array analysis, we have examined the changes that occur in cellular mRNA levels in mouse trigeminal ganglia following explantation, a stimulus that results in HSV-1 reactivation from latency. We have detected both increased and decreased expression levels of particular cellular transcripts, which include RNAs encoding neuronal factors, transcription factors, and factors involved in the cell cycle. Among the transcription factors that are upregulated is Bcl-3, a coactivator for NFkappaB. We have confirmed these increases in Bcl-3 transcription levels using reverse transcription-PCR and S1 nuclease protection assays. In addition, we have shown Bcl-3 upregulation at the protein level. Importantly, Bcl-3 RNA levels were found to increase specifically in neuronal cells within the trigeminal ganglia. We discuss a potential role for this factor in upregulating ICP0 transcription, which is an important viral event for initiation of HSV-1 reactivation.

NF-kappa B-inducible BCL-3 expression is an autoregulatory loop controlling nuclear p50/NF-kappa B1 residence

NF-kappa B is a transcription factor whose nuclear residence is controlled by I kappa B family members. In the NF-kappa B-I kappa B autoregulatory loop, activated (nuclear) Rel A.NF-kappa B1 induces the resynthesis of I kappa B alpha recapturing nuclear Rel A back into the cytoplasm within 1 h of stimulation. In contrast, NF-kappa B1 subunits redistribute more slowly into the cytoplasm (from 6 to 12 h). Here we examine the role of inducible cytoplasmic BCL-3 expression in terminating nuclear NF-kappa B1. Although BCL-3 is a nuclear protein in B lymphocytes, surprisingly, BCL-3 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein in HepG2 cells. Cytoplasmic BCL-3 abundance is induced 6-12 h after tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation where it complexes with NF-kappa B1 homodimers. Moreover, BCL-3 mRNA and protein expression are induced by NF-kappa B-activating agents. Two observations are interpreted to indicate that bcl-3 is transactivated by NF-kappa B/Rel A: 1) expression of a dominant negative NF-kappa B inhibitor blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced BCL-3 expression and 2) expression of constitutively active Rel A is sufficient to induce BCL-3 expression. In gene transfer studies, we identify two high affinity NF-kappa B-binding sites, kappa B1 (located at -872 to -861 nucleotides) and kappa B2 (-106 to -96 nucleotides), and although both bind with high affinity to Rel A, only kappa B2 is required for NF-kappa B-dependent induction of the native BCL-3 promoter. Down-regulation of BCL-3 induction results in prolonged, enhanced NF-kappa B1 binding and increased NF-kappa B-dependent transcription. Together, these data suggest the presence of an NF-kappa B-BCL-3 autoregulatory loop important in terminating NF-kappa B1 action and that individual NF-kappa B isoforms are actively terminated through coordinate induction of inhibitory I kappa B molecules to restore cellular homeostasis.

Genome-wide expression changes induced by HTLV-1 Tax: evidence for MLK-3 mixed lineage kinase involvement in Tax-mediated NF-kappaB activation

The Tax protein of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), an oncoprotein that transactivates viral and cellular genes, plays a key role in HTLV-1 replication and pathogenesis. We used cDNA microarrays to examine Tax-mediated transcriptional changes in the human Jurkat T-cell lines JPX-9 and JPX-M which express Tax and Tax-mutant protein, respectively, under the control of an inducible promoter. Approximately 300 of the over 2000 genes examined were differentially expressed in the presence of Tax. These genes were grouped according to their function and are discussed in the context of existing findings in the literature. There was strong agreement between our results and genes previously reported as being Tax-responsive. Genes that were differentially expressed in the presence of Tax included those related to apoptosis, the cell cycle and DNA repair, signaling factors, immune modulators, cytokines and growth factors, and adhesion molecules. Functionally, we provide evidence that one of these genes, the mixed-lineage kinase MLK-3, is involved in Tax-mediated NF-kappa-B signaling. Our current results provide additional insights into Tax-mediated signaling.

Transcriptional regulation of the BCL-X gene by NF-kappaB is an element of hypoxic responses in the rat brain

Signal transduction pathways that mediate neuronal commitment to apoptosis involve the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) transcription factor. The bcl-x gene is a member of the bcl-2 family of genes that regulate apoptosis, and gives rise to two proteins, Bcl-XL and Bcl-XS, via alternative mRNA splicing. BCl-XL protein, like Bcl-2, is a dominant inhibitor of apoptotic cell death, whereas Bcl-XS promotes apoptosis. While there is high expression of Bcl-XL in the developing and adult brain, few transcriptional control elements have been identified in the bcl-x promoter. There are two functional nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) DNA binding sites clustered upstream of the brain-specific transcription start site in the upstream promoter region of murine bcl-x. Recombinant NF-kappaB proteins bind to these sites. Also NF-kappaB overexpression, coupled with bcl-x promoter/reporter assays using a series of murine bcl-x promoter and deletion mutants, has identified the downstream 1.1kb of the bcl-x promoter as necessary for basal promoter activity and induction by NF-kappaB in support of the hypothesis that NF-kappaB can act to enhance BCl-XL expression via highly selective interactions with the bcl-x promoter, where NF-kappaB binding and promoter activation are dependent on specific DNA binding site sequences and NF-kappaB protein dimer composition. Hypoxia induces apoptosis in the hippocampus where the NF-kappaB dimers c-Rel/p50 and p50/pS0 bind to the bcl-x promoter NF-kappaB site.

Isolation of a novel interleukin-1-inducible nuclear protein bearing ankyrin-repeat motifs

We isolated a novel gene termed interleukin (IL)-1-inducible nuclear ankyrin-repeat protein (INAP), of which expression was specifically induced by IL-1 in OP9 stromal cells. The INAP has ankyrin-repeat motifs and shares weak amino acid sequence homology with Bcl-3 and other IkappaB family members. The human genomic INAP gene found in the NCBI data base is located at chromosome 3q3.11. Northern blot analyses revealed that INAP was not expressed in any examined tissues without stimulation, but INAP expression was rapidly and transiently induced by IL-1 although not by tumor necrosis factor alpha nor by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in OP9 cells. Immunoblots with anti-INAP-specific antibody demonstrated that INAP was rapidly and specifically produced by IL-1 stimulation and was predominantly localized in the nucleus. Immunofluorescence stainings showed that the INAP newly synthesized by IL-1 stimulation was promptly translocated into the nucleus, and FLAG-tagged INAP forcibly expressed in NIH/3T3 cells was also specifically localized in the nucleus. The possible interaction of INAP with RelA/p65, NF-kappaB1/p50, NF-kappaB2/p52, C/EBPbeta, and retinoid X receptor was examined, but we could detect none of these interactions in the nuclear extracts of IL-1-stimulated cells. Unlike Bcl-3 and other IkappaB family members, INAP may play a unique role in IL-1-induced specific gene expression and/or signal transduction in the nucleus.

MAIL, a novel nuclear I kappa B protein that potentiates LPS-induced IL-6 production

We have identified and characterized a novel member of the ankyrin-repeat family named 'molecule possessing ankyrin-repeats induced by lipopolysaccharide' (MAIL). The C-terminal portion of MAIL shared high sequence homology with the I kappa B family. Intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into mice rapidly (<0.5 h) induced MAIL mRNA in various tissues, particularly in the spleen, lymph node, and lung. Ectopically expressed MAIL was localized in the nucleus, and remarkably potentiated the LPS-induced mRNA expression and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 in Swiss 3T3 cells. These findings indicate that MAIL is one of the nuclear I kappa B proteins and an activator of IL-6 production.

Thyroid hormone regulation of hepatic genes in vivo detected by complementary DNA microarray

The liver is an important target organ of thyroid hormone. However, only a limited number of hepatic target genes have been identified, and little is known about the pattern of their regulation by thyroid hormone. We used a quantitative fluorescent cDNA microarray to identify novel hepatic genes regulated by thyroid hormone. Fluorescent-labeled cDNA prepared from hepatic RNA of T3-treated and hypothyroid mice was hybridized to a cDNA microarray, representing 2225 different mouse genes, followed by computer analysis to compare relative changes in gene expression. Fifty five genes, 45 not previously known to be thyroid hormone-responsive genes, were found to be regulated by thyroid hormone. Among them, 14 were positively regulated by thyroid hormone, and unexpectedly, 41 were negatively regulated. The expression of 8 of these genes was confirmed by Northern blot analyses. Thyroid hormone affected gene expression for a diverse range of cellular pathways and functions, including gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, insulin signaling, adenylate cyclase signaling, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. This is the first application of the microarray technique to study hormonal regulation of gene expression in vivo and should prove to be a powerful tool for future studies of hormone and drug action.

The Bcl-3 oncoprotein acts as a bridging factor between NF-kappaB/Rel and nuclear co-regulators

The proto-oncoprotein Bcl-3 is a member of the IkappaB family and is present predominantly in the nucleus. To gain insight into specific nuclear functions of Bcl-3 we have isolated proteins that interact with its ankyrin repeat domain. Using the yeast two-hybrid-system we identified four novel binding partners of Bcl-3 in addition to NF-kappaB p50 and p52, previously known to associate with Bcl-3. The novel Bcl-3 interactors Jab1, Pirin, Tip60 and Bard1 are nuclear proteins which also bind to other transcription factors including c-Jun, nuclear factor I (NFI), HIV-1 Tat or the tumor suppressor and PolII holoenzyme component Brca1, respectively. Bcl-3, p50, and either Bard1, Tip60 or Pirin are sequestered into quarternary complexes on NF-kappaB DNA binding sites, whereas Jab1 enhances p50-Bcl-3-DNA complex formation. Furthermore, the histone acetylase Tip60 enhances Bcl-3-p50 activated transcription through an NF-kappaB binding site, indicating that quarternary complexes containing Bcl-3 interactors modulate NF-kappaB driven gene expression. These data implicate Bcl-3 as an adaptor between NF-kappaB p50/p52 and other transcription regulators and suggest that its gene activation function may at least in part be due to recruitment of the Tip60 histone actetylase.

Structure of an IkappaBalpha/NF-kappaB complex

The inhibitory protein, IkappaBalpha, sequesters the transcription factor, NF-kappaB, as an inactive complex in the cytoplasm. The structure of the IkappaBalpha ankyrin repeat domain, bound to a partially truncated NF-kappaB heterodimer (p50/ p65), has been determined by X-ray crystallography at 2.7 A resolution. It shows a stack of six IkappaBalpha ankyrin repeats facing the C-terminal domains of the NF-kappaB Rel homology regions. Contacts occur in discontinuous patches, suggesting a combinatorial quality for ankyrin repeat specificity. The first two repeats cover an alpha helically ordered segment containing the p65 nuclear localization signal. The position of the sixth ankyrin repeat shows that full-length IkappaBalpha will occlude the NF-kappaB DNA-binding cleft. The orientation of IkappaBalpha in the complex places its N- and C-terminal regions in appropriate locations for their known regulatory functions.