Study examines why a protein mutation that causes inflammatory bowel diseases is dysfunctional

ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL

A new study led by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada and Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China has uncovered why a protein mutation that causes inflammatory bowel diseases is dysfunctional.

Published today in Science, the research focused on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 and 2. Known as NOD 1 and NOD 2, these are protein receptors encoded by the NOD genes. They recognize bacterial products and prompt the immune system to act quickly to fight infection. Some variants of NOD 1 and NOD 2 cause a lack of immune response, while others overstimulate the immune system. Differences in the NOD 2 gene are associated with many diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD causes sections of the gastrointestinal tract to become irritated and ulcerated, causing pain and discomfort to patients. Every year, more than 10,000 Canadians are diagnosed with these types of disorders. 

“Though we have discovered a lot regarding the impact of mutations of NOD 1 and NOD 2 on IBD, there hasn’t been a satisfying reason as to why some variants cause inflammatory disease,” said Dr. Greg Fairn, a scientist at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael’s.

The team set out to understand the molecular process that determines how NOD 1 and NOD 2 recognize bacteria and how this impacts their ability to signal an appropriate immune response. The scientists collaborated over four years to uncover this function, and Dr. Fairn credits their success to a multidisciplinary and multinational effort that resulted in rigorous science. 

They found that palmitoylation, the process by which fatty acids attach to proteins to alter the protein’s location within cells, is essential to elicit immune signaling of NOD 1 and NOD 2. In particular, they identified one enzyme that helps in the attachment of fatty acids to proteins – known as ZDHHC5 – as the key to unlocking this process that alters NOD 1 and NOD 2 function.

“Our findings point to the potential importance of palmitoylation – too much or too little of this process can impact inflammation,” Dr. Fairn said. “Now, the question is whether there is potential to fine tune this process to one day lead to treatment for a variety of inflammatory disorders.”

The multinational research team hopes this work is a stepping stone to uncovering more about the molecular reasons behind why variants of these proteins impact gut health.

“There is more to the story – targeting NOD-based signaling is only one potential intervention of many that would be needed for a person with chronic inflammation and altered microbiome” said Dr. Fairn.

“Our striking observations bring us one step closer to a deeper understanding of the science behind diseases like Crohn’s.”

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This research was funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

About Unity Health Toronto

Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. For more information, visit http://www.unityhealth.to.

About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education at UHN. All are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information, go to http://www.theprincessmargaret.ca or http://www.uhn.ca

Contact

Michael Oliveira, Manager of Media and Digital Strategy at Unity Health, 416-864-5047, [email protected]

Alexandra Radkewycz, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, (416) 946-2846, [email protected]