P53 mediates TNF-induced epithelial cell apoptosis in IBD

Tatiana Goretsky, Ramanarao Dirisina, Preetika Sinh, Navdha Mittal, Elizabeth Managlia, David B. Williams, Daniela Posca, Hyunji Ryu, Rebecca B. Katzman, Terrence A. Barrett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

82 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) is characterized by increased intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis associated with elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and p53. We previously showed that p53 is increased in crypt IECs in human colitis and is needed for IEC apoptosis in chronic dextran sulfate sodium-colitis. Herein, we examined the roles of TNF and iNOS in regulating p53-induced IEC apoptosis in CUC. The IEC TUNEL staining, caspases 3, 8, and 9, and p53 protein levels, induced by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) activation of T cells, were markedly reduced in TNF receptor 1 and 2 gene knockout mice. Induction of IEC apoptosis correlated with increased p53, which was attenuated in iNOS-/- mice. IEC p53 levels and apoptosis were reduced in IL-10-/- colitic mice treated with neutralizing TNF mAb and the iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine, further suggesting that TNF and iNOS are upstream of p53 during colitis-induced IEC apoptosis. IEC apoptosis and p53 levels were assessed in control versus untreated or anti-TNF-treated CUC patients with equivalent levels of inflammation. Data indicated that IEC apoptosis and p53 levels were clearly higher in untreated CUC but markedly reduced in patients treated with anti-TNF mAb. Therefore, TNF-induced iNOS activates a p53-dependent pathway of IEC apoptosis in CUC. The inhibition of IEC apoptosis may be an important mechanism for mucosal healing in anti-TNF-treated CUC patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1306-1315
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal of Pathology
Volume181
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesR01DK095662

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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