O15111

IKKα also known as CHUK is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family. IKKα plays a pivotal role in activating the transcription factor NFκB, which regulates immune responses and inflammation. Located primarily in the cytoplasm, IKKα phosphorylates the inhibitory protein IκB on specific serine residues, leading to IκB degradation and subsequent NFκB release into the nucleus. This process enables NFκB to translocate and activate genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. NFκB-inducing kinase (NIK) stimulates IκB phosphorylation by IKKα, serving as a key regulator in signaling pathways activated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The functional IKK complex, comprising IKKα, IKKβ, and IKKγ (NEMO), is essential for IκB phosphorylation, highlighting IKKα′s role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to inflammatory stimuli.