IKKalpha, a critical regulator of epidermal differentiation and a suppressor of skin cancer.

ABSTRACT: IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha), one of the two catalytic subunits of the IKK complex involved in nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, also functions as a molecular switch that controls epidermal differentiation. This unexpected function requires IKKalpha nuclear translocation but does not depend on its kinase activity, and is independent of NF-kappaB signalling. Ikkalpha(-/-) mice present with a hyperproliferative and undifferentiated epidermis characterized by complete absence of a granular layer and stratum corneum. Ikkalpha-deficient keratinocytes do not express terminal differentiation markers and continue to proliferate even when subjected to differentiation-inducing stimuli. This antiproliferative function of IKKalpha is also important for the suppression of squamous cell c

SUBMITTER: Descargues P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2556095 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature