ZBTB44 restrains colon inflammation in mouse study

A preclinical study identified ZBTB44 as a regulator that helps restrain inflammation in the colon. Mice lacking the protein developed colon inflammation and had more severe disease in a colon-injury model; their T cells also produced more interferon-gamma, an immune signaling protein. Removing interferon-gamma largely protected the mice, while further experiments suggested ZBTB44 dampens activity of the gene that produces it. ^[2]

Researchers also analyzed gene-activity data from colon biopsies of 12 people with ulcerative colitis and nine healthy controls, finding higher ZBTB44 expression in several immune-cell types in the patient samples. The researchers said this could be a protective response, but the association does not show that ZBTB44 alters disease in people. The work is preclinical and does not establish a treatment; further research is needed. ^[2]