Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:31
Effects of Taste Signaling Protein Abolishment on Gut Inflammation in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mouse Model
Published on: November 9, 2018
cGAS/STING Signaling in Ulcerative Colitis: Mechanism and Therapeutic Opportunities
Xinyi Dai1, Jiaqi Zhang1, Xudong Tang1
1Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100080, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a dual role in ulcerative colitis (UC), impacting intestinal barrier function and inflammation. Targeting this pathway offers potential for new UC treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves chronic inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption.
- The cGAS-STING pathway is a key cytosolic DNA-sensing mechanism implicated in UC pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cGAS-STING signaling network in UC.
- To explore its role in intestinal defense and its interaction with the microbiome.
- To summarize therapeutic strategies targeting the cGAS-STING axis for UC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cGAS-STING pathway in UC.
- Analysis of upstream activation and downstream effects of cGAS-STING.
- Examination of its role in modulating intestinal barriers (mechanical, chemical, immunological, microbial).
Main Results:
- cGAS-STING pathway activation is triggered by exogenous and endogenous DNA.
- This pathway influences multiple intestinal defense mechanisms and interacts with the gut microbiota.
- cGAS-STING acts as a double-edged sword, regulating both barrier homeostasis and inflammation in UC.
Conclusions:
- The cGAS-STING pathway is a critical regulator in UC pathogenesis, affecting intestinal barrier integrity.
- Modulation of the cGAS-STING axis presents a promising avenue for developing precision therapies for UC.
- Further research into this pathway can guide the development of novel pharmacological interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:20Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: