Expression of IRAK3 is associated with colitisassociated tumorigenesis in mice

Dingting Xu1, Hanyun Zhang1, Xiaoying Wang1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China.

Insights

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-3 (IRAK-3) levels decrease during colitis-associated tumorigenesis. IRAK-3 methylation may predict cancer development from colitis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways regulate inflammation.
  • Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-3 (IRAK-3) acts as a negative regulator in TLR pathways.
  • The role of IRAK-3 in colitis-associated tumorigenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of IRAK-3 in a mouse model of chemically-induced colitis-associated tumorigenesis.
  • To analyze IRAK-3 expression and methylation in the context of inflammation and tumor development.

Main Methods:

  • Colitis-associated tumorigenesis was induced in ICR mice using 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS).
  • Mice were divided into DMH + DSS, DSS, DMH, and control groups.
  • Clinical signs were monitored for 20 weeks, with tissue analysis at weeks 4, 9, 13, and 20.
  • IRAK-3 levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT-qPCR.
  • IRAK-3 methylation was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR.

Main Results:

  • DMH + DSS group mice showed decreased body weight and developed tumors (adenoma or adenocarcinoma).
  • DSS and DMH groups exhibited significant colitis.
  • Mice with colitis-associated tumorigenesis had significantly decreased IRAK-3 levels compared to other groups (P<0.001 for RT-qPCR and western blot, P=0.002 for immunohistochemistry).
  • IRAK-3 methylation was detected in all experimental groups.

Conclusions:

  • DMH + DSS induction promotes inflammation and increases the risk of tumorigenesis in colitis.
  • Decreased IRAK-3 levels are associated with colitis-associated tumorigenesis.
  • IRAK-3 methylation may serve as a predictive biomarker for the progression from colitis to cancer.

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