The Rel family of proteins in oncogenesis and differentiation

The Rel family consists of a large set of related proteins containing a conserved protein region, termed the Rel Homology Domain. Although the prototype member of the Rel family, v-Rel, was originally discovered on the basis of its transforming ability, recent studies have indicated that other members are also important mediators of embryonic development and differentiation. In particular, the dorsal protein is an essential embryonic polarity gene required for the proper dorsal/ventral development of the Drosophila embryo, while the avian c-rel gene has been implicated in the control of cell death and tissue molding. Other members may play a part in the differentiation of dendritic antigen presenting cells and the control of general and lymphoid specific gene transcription.