The REL gene encodes c-Rel, a transcription factor that is a member of the Rel/NFKB family, which also includes RELA (MIM 164014), RELB (604758), NFKB1 (MIM 164011), and NFKB2 (MIM 164012). These proteins are related through a highly conserved N-terminal region termed the 'Rel domain,' which is responsible for DNA binding, dimerization, nuclear localization, and binding to the NFKB inhibitor (MIM 164008) (Belguise and Sonenshein, 2007 (PubMed18037997)).
Copley RR et al. (2007) Genome Res. 17(9):1327-35.
Liu YW,et al.(2007) Cell Mol Life Sci. 64(24):3282-94.
Banerjee D, (2005) Immunity. 23(4):445-58.