Figure 2.

Control of cell survival and death through NF-κB–JNK cross-talk. Positive feedback loops exist between ROS and caspases, caspases and JNK, and JNK and ROS. Negative feedback loops exist between NF-κB and caspases, and NF-κB and ROS. NF-κB functions as a pro-survival transcription factor by inducing the expression of antiapoptotic genes, such as the Bcl-2 family members and caspase inhibitors, and antioxidant genes, such as MnSOD and FHC. Activation of NF-κB also results in inhibition of prolonged JNK activation, mostly through inhibition of ROS accumulation. Inhibition of NF-κB enhances PCD, which can be either apoptotic or necrotic, by removing the negative feedback loops.