p50p65

P50p65 refers to the canonical NF-κB transcription factor dimer composed of the p50 and p65 subunits. The p50 subunit, encoded by NF-κB1, is derived from the larger p105 precursor, while p65 (RelA) is encoded by the RELA gene. The p50/p65 heterodimer is the most extensively studied NF-κB complex and central to controlling the transcription of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses.

In resting cells, NF-κB dimers are retained in the cytoplasm by inhibitor proteins (IκBs). Upon stimulation by proinflammatory signals such as TNF-α, IL-1, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the IκB kinase (IKK) complex phosphorylates IκB, marking it for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. This releases p50/p65, allowing it to translocate into the nucleus where it binds κB motifs in DNA. The p65 subunit provides most of the transcriptional activation potential, while p50 contributes DNA binding and dimerization.

Target genes include cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, anti-apoptotic proteins, and enzymes involved in inflammation. Through these targets, the p50/p65 dimer regulates cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and adaptive immune responses. The activity is finely tuned by additional NF-κB dimers, coactivators, chromatin modifiers, and post-translational modifications of RelA.

Dysregulated p50/p65 signaling is implicated in chronic inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and various cancers. Therapeutic approaches aim to dampen NF-κB signaling by targeting IKK, IκB degradation, or DNA binding. Because the p50/p65 dimer can promote both protective immunity and pathology, therapies seek balanced modulation.

Related NF-κB dimers include p50/p50 and p65/p52; the p50/p65 heterodimer is the prototypical activator of canonical NF-κB signaling.