Reverse Transcription-coupled Polymerase Chain Reaction Research Articles

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XVII. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

To provide information regarding the coding sequences of unidentified human genes, we have conducted a sequencing project of human cDNAs which encode large proteins. We herein present the entire sequences of 100 cDNA clones of unknown human genes, named KIAA1444 to KIAA1543, from two sets of size-fractionated human adult and fetal brain cDNA libraries. The average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames of cDNA clones analyzed here were 4.4 kb and 2.6 kb (856 amino acid residues), respectively. Database searches of the predicted amino acid sequences classified 53 predicted gene products into the following five functional categories: cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid management, cell structure/motility, protein management and metabolism. It was also revealed that homologues for 32 KIAA gene products were detected in the databases, which were similar in sequence through almost their entire regions. Additionally, the chromosomal loci of the genes were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels unless their chromosomal loci were already assigned in the public databases. The expression levels of the genes were monitored in spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver, as well as in 10 human tissues and 8 brain regions, by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XVI. The complete sequences of 150 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

We have carried out a human cDNA sequencing project to accumulate information regarding the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. As an extension of the preceding reports, we herein present the entire sequences of 150 cDNA clones of unknown human genes, named KIAA1294 to KIAA1443, from two sets of size-fractionated human adult and fetal brain cDNA libraries. The average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames of cDNA clones analyzed here reached 4.8 kb and 2.7 kb (910 amino acid residues), respectively. From sequence similarities and protein motifs, 73 predicted gene products were functionally annotated and 97% of them were classified into the following four functional categories: cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid management, cell structure/motility and protein management. Additionally, the chromosomal loci of the genes were assigned by using human-rodent hybrid panels for those genes whose mapping data were not available in the public databases. The expression profiles of the genes were also studied in 10 human tissues, 8 brain regions, spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XVIII. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

In our series of human cDNA projects for accumulating sequence information on the coding sequences of unidentified genes, we herein present the entire sequences of 100 cDNA clones of unidentified genes, named KIAA1544 to KIAA1643, from two sets of size-fractionated human adult and fetal brain cDNA libraries. The average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames of cDNA clones analyzed here reached 4.6 kb and 2.8 kb (930 amino acid residues), respectively. By computer-assisted database search of the deduced amino acid sequences, 48 predicted gene products were classified into the five functional categories of proteins relating to cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid management, cell structure/motility, protein management and metabolism. Homology search against the databases for proteins deduced from yeast, nematode and fly full genome sequences revealed only one gene (KIAA1630) was entirely conserved among human and these three organisms in the 100 genes reported here. Additionally, their chromosomal loci were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels unless they were already assigned in the public databases. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the genes were also studied in 10 human tissues, 8 brain regions, spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Characterization of long cDNA clones from human adult spleen.

As an extension of our analysis of long cDNAs, we here report the characterization of cDNA clones from human adult spleen. From 2000 cDNA clones randomly sampled from a size-fractionated human spleen cDNA library (average size 4.5 kb), 97 clones were selected for sequencing according to their ability to code for protein at the 5'-end sequences and the novelty of their end sequences. The sequence data of these clones demonstrated that 87 out of 97 cDNA clones were derived from independent human genes. The average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames of these 87 cDNAs reached 4.5 kb and 1.4 kb (corresponding to 468 amino acid residues), respectively. In addition to these sequence analyses in silico, the expression profiles of the genes were also studied in ten human adult tissues by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that spleen could be used as an additional source of human long cDNAs to complement the list of human genes.

The TATA-binding Protein and Its Associated Factors Are Differentially Expressed in Adult Mouse Tissues

We have investigated the expression levels of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and several TBP-associated factors (TAFIIs) in differentiated adult mouse tissues. Immunoblots performed using monoclonal antibodies show that there are considerable variations in the levels of TBP and many TAFII proteins present in various tissues. Consequently, the relative levels of TAFIIs and TBP vary significantly from one tissue to another. TBP and several TAFIIs are overexpressed in both testis and small intestine, while in marked contrast, many of these proteins, including TBP itself, were substantially down-regulated in nervous tissues and in the heart. These tissues do, however, show a high expression level of the TBP-like factor, which thus may represent an alternative factor for the specialized transcription program in some differentiated tissues. While there are significant variations in the levels of TAFII28 protein, reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction shows similar expression of the TAFII28 mRNA in different tissues. The variations in TAFII28 protein levels therefore result from post-transcriptional regulatory events.

Host expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in normal colon tissue affects metastatic potential of colorectal cancer.

To clarify the mechanism of cancer cell invasion, we paid close attention to the role of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in normal tissue that is located in the same organ as the cancer. Samples were obtained from a tumor lesion and normal tissue in the resected large intestine of 59 patients with colorectal cancer, including 13 cases with liver metastasis (Group A) and 46 cases without liver metastasis (Group B). In each sample the expression of m-RNA for matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was examined using reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and southern hybridization. In normal colon tissue the expression rate of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in Group A (76.9 percent) was significantly higher than that of Group B (15.2 percent; P < 0.0001). Regarding the expression pattern of m-RNA of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in normal colon tissue, Group B included 24 cases with matrix metalloproteinase-2 negative, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 positive (24/46; 52.2 percent). Conversely, Group A had only one case with matrix metalloproteinase-2 negative and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 positive (1/13; 7.7 percent; P = 0.0107). In addition, the ratio of cases with matrix metalloproteinase-2 positive and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 negative in Group A was 30.8 percent (4/13), which was a significantly higher rate than that in Group B (3/46; 6.5 percent; P = 0.0170). We think that the expression pattern of m-RNA of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in normal colon tissue is closely related to liver metastasis in colon cancer patients.

Induction of tumor antigen-specific immunity in vivo by a novel vaccinia vector encoding safety-modified simian virus 40 T antigen.

Evidence that simian virus 40 (SV40) is associated with human mesotheliomas, osteosarcomas, and brain tumors suggests that a recombinant vaccine directed against lethal cancers expressing SV40 T antigen (Tag) could have clinical utility. To address this potential need, we designed a novel vaccinia virus construct that encodes an SV40 Tag in which oncogenic domains were excluded and immunogenic domains were preserved. We named this recombinant construct vaccinia-encoding safety-modified SV40 Tag (vac-mTag). Purified vac-mTag was characterized by DNA sequencing, reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunocytochemical techniques. Induction of Tag-specific immunity was examined by cytolytic T-cell assays, and the efficacy of vac-mTag in protecting animals against Tag-expressing tumors and in treating pre-established microscopic tumors was evaluated in vac-mTag-immunized BALB/c mice. The immune response elicited by vac-mTag in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice included an SV40 Tag-specific cytolytic T-lymphocyte activity against syngeneic (identical genetic background) SV40 Tag-expressing tumor targets. Immunization of mice with a single dose of vac-mTag resulted in potent protection against subsequent challenge with a lethal mouse cancer expressing SV40 Tag. In addition, single-dose vac-mTag immunization coadministered with interleukin 2 produced a possible therapeutic effect against a preadministered microscopic (but lethal) burden of Tag-expressing tumor cells in vivo. vac-mTag induces an effective immune response in mice that is specific for a tumor-associated antigen. This response protects against a lethal tumor challenge and results in a possible therapeutic effect against Tag-expressing tumors in vivo. Thus, vac-mTag provides a new avenue for the development of therapies for human cancers thought to be associated with SV40.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XIII. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

As a part of our cDNA project for deducing the coding sequence of unidentified human genes, we newly determined the sequences of 100 cDNA clones from a set of size-fractionated human brain cDNA libraries, and predicted the coding sequences of the corresponding genes, named KIAA0919 to KIAA1018. The sequencing of these clones revealed that the average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames were 4.9 kb and 2.6 kb (882 amino acid residues), respectively. A computer search of the sequences against the public databases indicated that predicted coding sequences of 87 genes contained sequences similar to known genes, 53% of which (46 genes) were categorized as proteins relating to cell signaling/communication, cell structure/motility and nucleic acid management. The chromosomal locations of the genes were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels unless their mapping data were already available in the public databases. The expression profiles of all the genes among 10 human tissues, 8 brain regions (amygdala, corpus callosum, cerebellum, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, substania nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and thalamus), spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver were also examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XV. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

In order to obtain information on the coding sequences of unidentified human genes, we newly determined the sequences of 100 cDNA clones of unknown human genes, which we named KIAA1193 to KIAA1292, from two sets of size-fractionated human adult and fetal brain cDNA libraries. The results of our particular strategy to select cDNA clones which have the potentiality of coding for large proteins in vitro revealed that the average sizes of the inserts and the corresponding open reading frames reached 5.2 kb and 2.8 kb (933 amino acid residues), respectively. By the computational analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences against the OWL and Pfam databases, 58 predicted gene products were classified into the following five functional categories: cell signaling/communication, cell structure/motility, nucleic acid management, protein management and metabolism. It was also found that 30 gene products had homologues in the public databases which were similar in sequence throughout almost their entire regions to the newly identified genes. The chromosomal loci of the genes were assigned by using human-rodent hybrid panels unless their mapping data were already available in the public databases. The expression profiles of the genes were studied in 10 human tissues, 8 brain regions, spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

CDNA cloning, tissue expression, and chromosomal assignment of a mouse gene, encoding a 127 kDa UV-damaged DNA binding protein which is defective in XPE cells.

A subset of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group E cells lack a factor of the UV-damaged DNA binding activity. Both 127 kDa and 48 kDa proteins have been reported to be responsible for the binding activity. A cDNA for the 127 kDa UV-damaged DNA-binding protein (p127-Ddb1) was isolated from a mouse fetal brain full length-enriched cDNA library, and an open reading frame of 1140 amino acids was identified. Reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that mouse Ddb1 messenger is ubiquitously expressed in adult tissues as well as in embryo's. The gene was mapped to near the public locus D19Mit22 region of mouse chromosome 19.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XIV. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

To extend our cDNA project for accumulating basic information on unidentified human genes, we newly determined the sequences of 100 cDNA clones from a set of size-fractionated human adult and fetal brain cDNA libraries, and predicted the coding sequences of the corresponding genes, named KIAA1019 to KIAA1118. The sequencing of these clones revealed that the average size of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames were 5.0 kb and 2.6 kb (880 amino acid residues), respectively. Database search of the predicted amino acid sequences classified 58 predicted gene products into the five functional categories, such as cell signaling/communication, cell structure/motility, nucleic acid management, protein management and cell division. It was also found that, for 34 gene products, homologues were detected in the databases, which were similar in sequence through almost the entire regions. The chromosomal locations of the genes were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels unless their mapping data were already available in the public databases. The expression profiles of all the genes among 10 human tissues, 8 brain regions (amygdala, corpus callosum, cerebellum, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, substania nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and thalamus), spinal cord, fetal brain and fetal liver were also examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, products of which were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Identification of Septins in Neurofibrillary Tangles in Alzheimer's Disease

Septins are evolutionarily conserved cytoskeletal GTPases that can form heteropolymer complexes involved in cytokinesis and other cellular processes. We detected expression of the human septin genes Nedd5, H5, Diff6, and hCDC100 in postmortem brain tissues using the reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and their products by immunoblot analysis. Four antibodies directed against three septins, Nedd5, H5, and Diff6, consistently labeled neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, and dystrophic neurites in the senile plaques in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease but did not label obvious structures in young control brains. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that Nedd5 localized to the paired helical filaments. Pre-tangles, the precursory granular deposits that accumulate in the neuronal cytoplasm, also were labeled with the antibodies. These findings suggest that at least the three septins are associated with tau-based paired helical filament core, and may contribute to the formation of neurofibrillary tangle as integral constituents of paired helical filaments.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Can Replace the IL-2 Signal in IL-2–Dependent Adult T-Cell Leukemia (ATL) Cell Lines: Expression of IL-15 Receptor α on ATL Cells

Interleukin-15 receptor (IL-15R) and IL-2R have the same β and γ chains, but IL-15R has a specific α chain distinct from that of IL-2Rα, which is indispensable for the high affinity binding of IL-15. In the present study, we examined four IL-2-dependent adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines for their IL-15R expression. All cell lines bound IL-15, which was not inhibited by a 100-fold excess amount of IL-2, proliferated in response to IL-15 to the same degree as to the stimulation with IL-2, and were maintained without IL-2. The responses to 1L-15 were inhibited by the antibodies against IL-2R β or γ chains but was not by the IL-2R α chain antibody. [125I]–IL-15 exhibited a single high-affinity binding with an apparent kd of 0.17 nmol/L. Reverse transcription–coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that the cell lines had the mRNA of IL-15R α. The cell lines also had IL-15 mRNA. Despite the presence of IL-15 mRNA, the cell lines did not secrete IL-15, and the culture supernatants of fresh ATL cells and plasma from the patients did not contain a detectable amount of IL-15 with a few exceptional cases, although fresh ATL cells also responded to IL-15. These results suggest that ATL cells have the complete form of IL-15R and respond to IL-15. Such an IL-15–dependent cell proliferation mechanism might be used in the development of ATL and for the invasion and proliferation of ATL cells in the visceral organs.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Can Replace the IL-2 Signal in IL-2–Dependent Adult T-Cell Leukemia (ATL) Cell Lines: Expression of IL-15 Receptor α on ATL Cells

AbstractInterleukin-15 receptor (IL-15R) and IL-2R have the same β and γ chains, but IL-15R has a specific α chain distinct from that of IL-2Rα, which is indispensable for the high affinity binding of IL-15. In the present study, we examined four IL-2-dependent adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines for their IL-15R expression. All cell lines bound IL-15, which was not inhibited by a 100-fold excess amount of IL-2, proliferated in response to IL-15 to the same degree as to the stimulation with IL-2, and were maintained without IL-2. The responses to 1L-15 were inhibited by the antibodies against IL-2R β or γ chains but was not by the IL-2R α chain antibody. [125I]–IL-15 exhibited a single high-affinity binding with an apparent kd of 0.17 nmol/L. Reverse transcription–coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that the cell lines had the mRNA of IL-15R α. The cell lines also had IL-15 mRNA. Despite the presence of IL-15 mRNA, the cell lines did not secrete IL-15, and the culture supernatants of fresh ATL cells and plasma from the patients did not contain a detectable amount of IL-15 with a few exceptional cases, although fresh ATL cells also responded to IL-15. These results suggest that ATL cells have the complete form of IL-15R and respond to IL-15. Such an IL-15–dependent cell proliferation mechanism might be used in the development of ATL and for the invasion and proliferation of ATL cells in the visceral organs.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. X. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which can code for large proteins in vitro.

As an extension of our cDNA analysis for deducing the coding sequences of unidentified human genes, we have newly determined the sequences of 100 cDNA clones from a set of size-fractionated human brain cDNA libraries, and predicted the coding sequences of the corresponding genes, named KIAA0611 to KIAA0710. In vitro transcription-coupled translation assay was applied as the first screening to select cDNA clones which produce proteins with apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa and over. One hundred unidentified cDNA clones thus selected were then subjected to sequencing of entire inserts. The average size of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames was 4.9 kb and 2.8 kb (922 amino acid residues), respectively. Computer search of the sequences against the public databases indicated that predicted coding sequences of 87 genes were similar to those of known genes, 62% of which (54 genes) were categorized as proteins related to cell signaling/communication, cell structure/motility and nucleic acid management. The expression profiles in 10 human tissues of all the clones characterized in this study were examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and the chromosomal locations of the clones were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. IX. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which can code for large proteins in vitro.

As an extension of a series of projects for sequencing human cDNA clones derived from relatively long transcripts, we herein report the entire sequences of 100 newly determined cDNA clones with the potential of coding for large proteins in vitro. The cDNA clones were isolated from size-fractionated human brain cDNA libraries with insert sizes between 4.5 and 8.3 kb. The sequencing of these clones revealed that the average size of the cDNA inserts and of their open reading frames was 5.3 kb and 2.8 kb (930 amino acid residues), respectively. Homology search against public databases indicated that the predicted coding sequences of 86 clones exhibited significant similarities to known genes; 51 of them (59%) were related to those for cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid management, and cell structure/motility. All the clones characterized in this study are accompanied by their expression profiles in 14 human tissues examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and the chromosomal mapping data.

Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. XI. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which code for large proteins in vitro.

In our series of projects for accumulating sequence information on the coding sequences of unidentified human genes, we have newly determined the sequences of 100 cDNA clones from a set of size-fractionated human brain cDNA libraries, and predicted the coding sequences of the corresponding genes, named KIAA0711 to KIAA0810. These cDNA clones were selected according to their coding potentials of large proteins (50 kDa and more) in vitro. The average sizes of the inserts and corresponding open reading frames were 4.3 kb and 2.6 kb (869 amino acid residues), respectively. Sequence analyses against the public databases indicated that the predicted coding sequences of 78 genes were similar to those of known genes, 64% of which (50 genes) were categorized as proteins functionally related to cell signaling/communication, cell structure/motility and nucleic acid management. As additional information concerning genes characterized in this study, the chromosomal locations of the clones were determined by using human-rodent hybrid panels and the expression profiles among 10 human tissues were examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction which was substantially improved by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

FGF-2 induces nerve growth factor expression in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is expressed in the hippocampus and has been demonstrated to promote neurotrophic effects on hippocampal neurons in vitro. We show that these neurons, even at the embryonic stage, express the mRNAs encoding the FGF receptors, bek and flg. We have characterized the effects of FGF-2 on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) using the reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. In hippocampal neurons grown in the absence of serum, FGF-2 exposure induces an important elevation of NGF mRNA expression followed by a marked increase in NGF immunoreactivity. Combining in situ hybridization with an NGF probe and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) immunocytochemistry we show that the induction of NGF mRNA by FGF-2 is localized in MAP2-immunoreactive neurons. These results suggest roles for FGF-2 in the development of hippocampal neurons and in the maintenance of connections in the central nervous system, particularly the septo-hippocampal pathway, via the regulation of an important neurotrophin.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor messenger RNA and protein show increased expression in adult compared to developing normal and dystrophic rat retina.

To further elucidate the possible roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in retinal pathophysiology, messenger RNA levels of acidic and basic FGF (aFGF and bFGF, respectively) were measured throughout embryonic and postnatal development until adulthood in normal and dystrophic (Royal College of Surgeons, RCS) rat retinas using sensitive reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. In normal rats, both aFGF and bFGF transcript levels remained steadily low throughout embryogenesis and up until 7 d of postnatal age. By 13 d bFGF mRNA had increased 30-fold, and by adulthood (4 mo) levels were 150 times greater than in newborn retina. Dystrophic RCS retinas followed the same basic pattern, except that bFGF expression levels were increased relative to normal rats: By 4 d postnatal RCS retinas contained three times more bFGF mRNA than normal, by 7 d they contained six times more, and by 10 d they contained eight times more. In contrast, aFGF mRNA levels rose only threefold between embryonic and adult stages, and did not show any differences between normal and RCS rats. In parallel, staining of lightly fixed frozen sections of young (< 20 d) normal rat retina with antibodies to bFGF revealed only faint labeling of neural cells, whereas adult retinal sections were labeled strongly, especially within the photoreceptor layer. Twenty-day RCS rat retina showed detectable bFGF-like immunoreactivity. Hence, these data indicate that major aFGF and bFGF expression occurs only late in retinal maturation, suggesting these factors act principally as survival factors, especially for photoreceptors. In addition, the increased expression in a degenerative mutant strain may indicate the early onset of general cellular stress.

Colonic muscle enhances the production of interleukin-1 beta messenger RNA in experimental colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are accompanied by alterations in the contractile function of colonic muscle. Whether these changes are also accompanied by the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA remains unknown. To investigate the profile of IL-1 beta mRNA in the colonic muscle of rats with acetic acid induced colitis. Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid 8 cm from anal margin. Myeloperoxidase activity was used as a marker of inflammation in the colon. RNA was extracted from colonic muscle and was used to amplify the level of IL-1 beta mRNA with a reverse transcription coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method developed in this study. Colonic muscle exhibited constitutive expression of IL-1 beta mRNA. The level was enhanced significantly, one, two, and five days after acetic acid administration. On day 7 after treatment, the level of IL-1 beta mRNA had returned baseline values. This profile of IL-1 beta mRNA was consistent with myeloperoxidase activity. IL-1 beta is a putative mediator of the changes in muscle function in this model of colitis.