Inhibits the activity of dimeric NF-kappa-B/REL complexes by trapping REL dimers in the cytoplasm through masking of their nuclear localization signals. On cellular stimulation by immune and proinflammatory responses, becomes phosphorylated promoting ubiquitination and degradation, enabling the dimeric RELA to tranlocate to the nucleus and activate transcription.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Rat NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha
Subcellular Location
Cytoplasm Nucleus Shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm by a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a CRM1-dependent nuclear export.
Interacts with RELA; the interaction requires the nuclear import signal. Interacts with NKIRAS1 and NKIRAS2. Part of a 70-90 kDa complex at least consisting of CHUK, IKBKB, NFKBIA, RELA, IKBKAP and MAP3K14. Interacts with HBV protein X. Interacts with RWDD3; the interaction enhances sumoylation. Interacts (when phosphorylated at the 2 serine residues in the destruction motif D-S-G-X(2,3,4)-S) with BTRC. Associates with the SCF(BTRC) complex, composed of SKP1, CUL1 and BTRC; the association is mediated via interaction with BTRC. Part of a SCF(BTRC)-like complex lacking CUL1, which is associated with RELA; RELA interacts directly with NFKBIA (By similarity). Interacts with PRMT2.