Aims
ADAM [A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase] is a family of peptidase proteins which have diverse roles in tissue homeostasis and immunity. Here, we study ADAM-like DECysin-1 [ADAMDEC1] a unique member of the ADAM family. ADAMDEC1 expression is restricted to the macrophage/dendritic cell populations of the gastrointestinal tract and secondary lymphoid tissue. The biological function of ADAMDEC1 is unknown but it has been hypothesised to play a role in immunity. The identification of reduced ADAMDEC1 expression in Crohn's disease patients has provided evidence of a potential role in bowel inflammation.
Background and aims
ADAM [A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase] is a family of peptidase proteins which have diverse roles in tissue homeostasis and immunity. Here, we study ADAM-like DECysin-1 [ADAMDEC1] a unique member of the ADAM family. ADAMDEC1 expression is restricted to the macrophage/dendritic cell populations of the gastrointestinal tract and secondary lymphoid tissue. The biological function of ADAMDEC1 is unknown but it has been hypothesised to play a role in immunity. The identification of reduced ADAMDEC1 expression in Crohn's disease patients has provided evidence of a potential role in bowel inflammation.
Conclusion
In summary, ADAMDEC1 protects the bowel from chemical and bacterial insults, failure of which may predispose to Crohn's disease.
Methods
Adamdec1-/- mice were exposed to dextran sodium sulphate or infected orally with Citrobacter rodentium or Salmonella typhimurium. The clinical response was monitored.
Results
The loss of Adamdec1 rendered mice more susceptible to the induction of bacterial and chemical induced colitis, as evidenced by increased neutrophil infiltration, greater IL-6 and IL-1β secretion, more weight loss and increased mortality. In the absence of Adamdec1, greater numbers of Citrobacter rodentium were found in the spleen, suggestive of a breakdown in mucosal immunity which resulted in bacteraemia.