Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of UBE2W overexpression on proliferation of intestinal mucosal cells in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods In a mouse model of colitis induced by exposure to DSS in drinking water, UBE2W expression in the colon tissue was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Ten mouse models of colitis were randomized for injection of adenovirus AAV2/9 myc-UBE2W or control AAV2/9 via the tail vein (n=5), and the changes in body weight were recorded and the histological score of the colon were graded using HE staining. Ki67 and BrdU expressions in the colon mucosal cells were detected with immunohistochemistry. The effect of UBE2W overexpression on proliferation of 293T and HCT116 cells was observed using CCK-8 kit. Results Compared with normal mice, the mouse models with DSS-induced colitis showed significantly lowered expressions of UBE2W mRNA and protein in the colon tissues. The mouse models with AAV2/9 myc-UBE2W injection had a lower body weight loss than those with control AAV2/9 injection, and the difference was the most distinct on days 9 and 10 (P<0.05). AAV2/9 myc-UBE2W injection significantly decreased the histological score (P<0.05) and increased Ki67 and BrdU expressions in the colon mucosal cells in the mouse models (P<0.05). In both 293T and HCT116 cells, UBE2W overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation at 72 h and 96 h after plasmid transfection (P<0.05). Conclusion UBE2W overexpression provide protection of the colon mucosal cells and promotes recovery of colitis in mice possibly by promoting proliferation of the colon mucosal cells.

Key words: ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2W; dextran sodium sulfate; colitis; cell proliferation