These data suggest that Bcl-3 may not play a significant role in the regulation of inflammation in the colon. Despite a robust inflammatory response following DSS treatment, the colonic tissue architecture in Bcl-3−/− mice, in particular the epithelial features, remain intact. Following DSS treatment intestinal epithelial cell proliferation in Bcl-3−/− mice was enhanced significantly, whereas in wild-type mice it was

absent. The increased proliferation in Bcl-3−/− mice correlates with the maintenance of tissue architecture and structure and suggests that the resistance to DSS-induced colitis of Bcl-3−/− mice results from increased regeneration of the epithelium. It is also noteworthy that Bcl-3 acts a negative regulator of myeloid progenitor proliferation and differentiation, and is essential for limiting granulopoiesis under inflammatory conditions [27]. This study identifies a novel role for Bcl-3 in regulating BMS-777607 intestinal epithelial cell proliferation under inflammatory but not homeostatic conditions. Our identification of Bcl-3 as a negative regulator of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation during colitis suggests additional physiological functions Selleck AZD1208 for Bcl-3 beyond its role as a negative regulator of proinflammatory gene expression. The dual role of NF-κB as a key mediator of inflammation

and a critical driver of epithelial cell survival and proliferation has rendered it a complex and difficult therapeutic target in IBD. Transgenic mice in which NF-κB activity has been inhibited selectively in the intestinal epithelium develop spontaneous colitis due to failure of the epithelial barrier function, while an increase in intestinal NF-κB activity also leads to severe Liothyronine Sodium inflammation [4]. The data obtained in this study, however, suggest that certain regulatory components of the NF-κB pathway such as Bcl-3 may play a more important role in the epithelium rather than the immune system

in the colon. We have demonstrated previously that Bcl-3 expression is induced by inflammation [16]. Given that the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells is normal in Bcl-3−/− mice, it is probable that inflammation-induced expression of Bcl-3 in the epithelium during colitis contributes to the development of disease. Thus, by targeting Bcl-3 it may be possible to enhance epithelial cell proliferation and regeneration without exacerbating inflammation in the intestine. The potential therapeutic benefits to IBD are highlighted by the reduced clinical score and lack of weight loss in DSS-treated Bcl-3−/− mice. In summary, we describe a novel function for Bcl-3 in regulating epithelial cell proliferation during DSS-induced colitis. The increased epithelial cell proliferation and regeneration in Bcl-3−/− mice supports further a role for NF-κB in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium.