Transcriptional Signatures That Define Ulcerative Colitis in Remission. Issue 1 (23rd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fenton, Christopher G; Taman, Hagar; Florholmen, Jon; Sørbye, Sveinung W; Paulssen, Ruth H
• Is Part Of: Inflammatory bowel diseases. Volume 27:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2020-04-23
• Subjects: ulcerative colitis -- molecular signatures -- remission; Inflammatory bowel diseases -- Periodicals; Colitis, Ulcerative -- Periodicals; Crohn Disease -- Periodicals; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.344
• DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-0998

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study addresses whether existing specific transcriptional profiles can improve and support the current status of the definition of ulcerative colitis (UC) remission apart from the existing endoscopic, histologic, and laboratory scoring systems. For that purpose, a well-stratified UC patient population in remission was compared to active UC and control patients and was investigated by applying the next-generation technology RNA-Seq. Methods: Mucosal biopsies from patients in remission (n = 14), patients with active UC (n = 14), and healthy control patientss (n = 16) underwent whole-transcriptome RNA-Seq. Principal component analysis, cell deconvolution methods, gene profile enrichment, and pathway enrichment methods were applied to define a specific transcriptional signature of UC in remission. Results: Analyses revealed specific transcriptional signatures for UC in remission with increased expression of genes involved in O-glycosylation ( MUC17, MUC3A, MUC5AC, MUC12, SPON1, B3GNT3 ), ephrin-mediated repulsion of cells ( EFNB2E, EFNA3, EPHA10, EPHA1 ), GAP junction trafficking ( TUBA1C, TUBA4A, TUBB4B, GJB3, CLTB ), and decreased expression of several toll-like receptors ( TLR1, TLR3, TLR5, TLR6 ). Conclusions: This study reveals specific transcriptional signatures for remission. Partial restoration and improvement of homeostasis in the epithelial mucus layer and revival of immunological functions were observed. A clear role for bacterial gut flora composition can be implied. The results can be useful for the development of treatment strategies for UC in remission and may be useful targets for further investigations aiming to predict the outcome of UC in the future. Abstract : Specific transcriptional signatures for ulcerative colitis in remission reveal that partial restoration and improvement of the epithelial mucus layer and revival of immunological functions in the mucus layer are endorsed by the expression of protective genes. In addition, a clear role for bacterial gut flora composition can be implied.