Abstract
During the lifetime, our cells encounter many challenges to their own existence. The survival of organisms and cells depends on the interplay within a complex, yet precisely orchestrated network of proteins. Since the discovery of the Rel/NF-κB family of transcription factors, the research has never come to a stop. These proteins are best known for their key roles played in normal immune and inflammatory responses, also in the control of cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and oncogenesis. The recent years have witnessed an emerging research regarding NF-κB signalling pathways in aging and senescence as well. In this review we go deeply through NF-κB activity in the modern biogerontology, with the arguments around its possible roles in aging. Nevertheless, a detailed molecular action and mechanism of NF-κB regulation during senescence has yet to be determined. Elucidation of the exact role of NF-κB in aging will be crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: NF-κB, activation cascades, aging, SNARK, mTOR, sirtuins