SQSTM1

Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) is a protein complex that regulates DNA transcription and is a critical regulator of cell survival. NFkB has long been known as a primer of inflammation, however researchers are now finding that NFkB may also regulate over-inflammation via a novel mitophagy pathway (Minton, 2016).

The inflammatory response consists of a complex network of signaling pathways that regulate a diverse set of cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and transcription factors (1). Of the proinflammatory signaling pathways the NF-kB family is particularly well studied for its role in apoptosis, cancer, and the development and maintenance of the immune system (1). The family consists of the transcription factors p50, p52, RelA (p65), RelB, and c-Rel.

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a member of the MiTF/TFE (Microphthalmia/TFE) subfamily of basic/helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper transcription factors. This group of proteins is involved in the proliferation and development of specific cell types such as osteoclasts or melanocytes. Recently scientists have begun to uncover the roles of MiTF/TFE proteins in organelle biogenesis and energy metabolism (1). TFEB, for example, is a known regulator of lysosome biogenesis.