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Differential expression in histologically normal crypts of ulcerative colitis suggests primary crypt disorder
Mijung Kim1, Seungkoo Lee, Suk-Kyun Yang
1Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea.
Oncology Reports
|September 14, 2006
Summary
Early ulcerative colitis shows distinct gene expression changes in normal-appearing crypts, suggesting primary abnormalities in the colonic crypts may drive the disease before inflammation begins.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis involves neutrophil infiltration of colonic crypts.
- The origin of this crypt infiltration as a primary disorder or secondary response remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression profiles in histologically normal colonic crypts from early-stage ulcerative colitis patients.
- To identify potential primary crypt abnormalities contributing to ulcerative colitis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Microdissection of histologically normal crypts from formalin-fixed ulcerative colitis and control biopsies.
- RNA extraction, amplification, and analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip(R) X3P Array.
Main Results:
- Significant differential gene expression observed in ulcerative colitis crypts compared to controls.
- Key up-regulated genes include FCGBP and cyclophilin A; down-regulated genes include APOA4 and claudin 8.
- Expression changes in genes related to lipid metabolism and transcriptional regulation were noted.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression profiles in ulcerative colitis crypt epithelia differ even before overt inflammation.
- These findings suggest that primary abnormalities within the colonic crypts may play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis.
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