More than just an IκB kinase: the IKK complex coordinates mRNA stability and transcription

The IκB kinase (IKK) complex is best known as the core regulator of NF‐κB signalling. Recent work from Mikuda et al reveals a new and unexpected function for IKK in the regulation of mRNA stability. Through interacting with and phosphorylating EDC4, a key component of the mRNA decapping complex, IKK regulates P‐body formation and the stability of numerous mRNAs, including many encoding inflammatory cytokines. Activation of IKK can therefore be more generally thought of as programming the cellular response to stress and infection through both mRNA stability and transcription. Graphical Abstract A new study finds IKKβ to control mRNA decapping, illustrating how cellular signalling shapes gene expression via both mRNA synthesis and degradation.