High-resolution gene expression profiling using RNA sequencing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in mouse models of colitis

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Proper interpretation of data from preclinical animal studies requires a thorough knowledge about the pathophysiology of both the human disease and animal models. In this study, the expression of IBD-associated genes was characterised in mouse models of colitis to examine the underlying molecular pathways and assess the similarity between the experimental models and human disease.
RNA sequencing was performed on colon biopsies from CD patients, UC patients and non-IBD controls. Genes shown to be significantly dysregulated in human IBD were used to study gene expression in colons from a piroxicam-accelerated colitis interleukin-10 knockout (PAC IL-10 k.o.), an adoptive transfer (AdTr) and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis mouse model.
92 out of 115 literature-defined genes linked to IBD were significantly differentially expressed in inflamed mucosa of CD and/or UC patients compared with non-IBD controls. The most upregulated genes were shared by both diseases, including REG1A, LCN2, NOS2, CXCL1-2 and S100A9. Of those 92 IBD-associated genes, 71 (77%) were significantly dysregulated in PAC IL-10 k.o. mice, whereas 59 (64%) were significantly dysregulated in AdTr mice compared with wild type controls. Some of the most upregulated genes, including S100a8-9, Nos2 and Lcn2 were shared by the colitis models and correlated with disease activity.
IBD and experimental murine colitis have a high degree of similarity in the colonic transcriptional profile, probably secondary to non-specific inflammatory processes. However, differences do exist between models, emphasizing the need for careful selection and interpretation of qualified animal models in preclinical research.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Crohn's and Colitis (JCC)
Volume9
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)492-506
Number of pages15
ISSN1873-9946
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2015

ID: 132937128