Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Crohn’s colitis (CC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes chronic inflammation in the large intestine, leading to malnutrition, diarrhea, and severe pain. Early and accurate diagnosis of CC is crucial, as misdiagnosis with ulcerative colitis (UC) can result in inappropriate treatment and worsened outcomes. The innate immune peptide human alpha-defensin 5 (HD5) is upregulated in CC but not in UC, suggesting a potential role in disease pathogenesis. Preliminary data from our lab indicates that HD5 impairs wound healing in colonic epithelial cells, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
Hypothesis We hypothesize that HD5 increases RNA and protein levels of COL4A3, EGF, and MMP1 while decreasing ACTB expression, thereby affecting colonic wound healing in CC.
Methods Wound healing assays will assess the effect of HD5 on epithelial cell migration and closure. RNA and protein extractions will be performed on HD5-treated NCM460 cells, followed by qPCR and Western blot analyses to measure gene and protein expression levels of COL4A3, EGF, MMP1, and ACTB.
Expected Results We anticipate that HD5 treatment will reveal altered expression of genes and proteins essential to wound healing. These findings will provide insight into HD5’s role in CC pathogenesis and identify potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. This study aims to enhance the understanding of HD5’s influence on epithelial repair and its contribution to CC, ultimately guiding more effective treatment strategies.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Amanda Williams.
Recommended Citation
Radiro, Lavin, "Elucidating the Role of HD5 in Colonic Wound Healing" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 155.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/155
Included in
Elucidating the Role of HD5 in Colonic Wound Healing
Crohn’s colitis (CC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes chronic inflammation in the large intestine, leading to malnutrition, diarrhea, and severe pain. Early and accurate diagnosis of CC is crucial, as misdiagnosis with ulcerative colitis (UC) can result in inappropriate treatment and worsened outcomes. The innate immune peptide human alpha-defensin 5 (HD5) is upregulated in CC but not in UC, suggesting a potential role in disease pathogenesis. Preliminary data from our lab indicates that HD5 impairs wound healing in colonic epithelial cells, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
Hypothesis We hypothesize that HD5 increases RNA and protein levels of COL4A3, EGF, and MMP1 while decreasing ACTB expression, thereby affecting colonic wound healing in CC.
Methods Wound healing assays will assess the effect of HD5 on epithelial cell migration and closure. RNA and protein extractions will be performed on HD5-treated NCM460 cells, followed by qPCR and Western blot analyses to measure gene and protein expression levels of COL4A3, EGF, MMP1, and ACTB.
Expected Results We anticipate that HD5 treatment will reveal altered expression of genes and proteins essential to wound healing. These findings will provide insight into HD5’s role in CC pathogenesis and identify potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. This study aims to enhance the understanding of HD5’s influence on epithelial repair and its contribution to CC, ultimately guiding more effective treatment strategies.
Comments
Vivi needs to update her list of proteins that she is investigating. Other than that, it looks good. Thanks!