Transcription factor p65 (RELA) messenger RNA (RELA mRNA)

Transcription factor p65 (RELA) messenger RNA encodes the p65 subunit of the NF-kappa-B (NF-κB) complex, which serves as a master regulator of the immune system and inflammatory responses (UniProt: P19838). The p65 subunit is a member of the Rel family and contains a transactivation domain necessary for the transcriptional activity of the canonical NF-κB pathway (NCBI Gene: 5970). Overexpression or constitutive activation of the NF-κB pathway, often driven by RELA, is a hallmark of many cancers and chronic inflammatory conditions, where it promotes cell survival, proliferation, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PubMed: 31435140). Targeting the mRNA directly using small interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) allows for the knockdown of p65 protein synthesis, providing a more specific therapeutic intervention than broad-spectrum NF-κB inhibitors (PubMed: 25614320). This strategy is being explored to sensitize tumor cells to apoptosis and to treat autoimmune disorders by dampening pathological inflammation (PubMed: 12060563). However, therapeutic success depends on overcoming challenges such as efficient intracellular delivery and avoiding the activation of the innate immune system by the therapeutic nucleic acids themselves.

Other names

NF-kappa-B p65 mRNARelA mRNANuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit mRNAv-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of RELA mRNA, leading to reduced p65 protein expression and inhibition of NF-kappa-B signaling.