Molecular cross-talk between nuclear receptors and nuclear factor-kB

Abstract Nuclear receptors can function as ligand-activated transcription factors but can even so cross-talk with other transcription factors. In this respect, NF-kB, a central regulator of both inflammation and tumorigenesis, can cross-react with and is negatively affected by these nuclear receptors. In current medicine, the nuclear receptor ligands for the glucocorticoid receptor form still the mainstay for treatment of inflammation-based afflictions. However, also other nuclear receptor ligands can affect inflammatory processes. In this respect, the cross-talk of various nuclear receptors with each other has been given renewed attention in recent literature. We will discuss the cross-talk of nuclear receptors with NF-kB and each other in the context of the attenuating control of inflammatory and tumor-promoting mechanisms, using the well described glucocorticoid receptor as a focal point