Dong XQ, Zhang YH, Luo J, Li MJ, Ma LQ, Qi YT, Miao YL. Keratin 1 modulates intestinal barrier and immune response
via kallikrein kinin system in ulcerative colitis.
World J Gastroenterol 2025;
31:102070. [PMID:
39958441 PMCID:
PMC11752705 DOI:
10.3748/wjg.v31.i6.102070]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2024] [Revised: 12/06/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
External factors in ulcerative colitis (UC) exacerbate colonic epithelial permeability and inflammatory responses. Keratin 1 (KRT1) is crucial in regulating these alterations, but its specific role in the progression of UC remains to be fully elucidated.
AIM
To explore the role and mechanisms of KRT1 in the regulation of colonic epithelial permeability and inflammation in UC.
METHODS
A KRT1 antibody concentration gradient test, along with a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced animal model, was implemented to investigate the role of KRT1 in modulating the activation of the kallikrein kinin system (KKS) and the cleavage of bradykinin (BK)/high molecular weight kininogen (HK) in UC.
RESULTS
Treatment with KRT1 antibody in Caco-2 cells suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, reduced HK expression, and increased BK expression. It further downregulated intestinal barrier proteins, including occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin, and negatively impacted the coagulation factor XII. These changes led to enhanced activation of BK and HK cleavage, thereby intensifying KKS-mediated inflammation in UC. In the DSS-induced mouse model, administration of KRT1 antibody mitigated colonic injury, increased colon length, alleviated weight loss, and suppressed inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α. It also facilitated repair of the intestinal barrier, reducing DSS-induced injury.
CONCLUSION
KRT1 inhibits BK expression, suppresses inflammatory cytokines, and enhances markers of intestinal barrier function, thus ameliorating colonic damage and maintaining barrier integrity. KRT1 is a viable therapeutic target for UC.
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