Lipopolysaccharide-regulated RNF31/NRF2 axis in colonic epithelial cells mediates homeostasis of the intestinal barrier in ulcerative colitis.

Background: Although previous studies have shown that the Ring Finger Protein 31 (RNF31) gene confers susceptibility to inflammatory disease and colorectal cancer, the exact function of this protein in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been determined.

Methods: A mouse dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis model was used to study RNF31 and NRF2 in colitis. RNF31 silencing or overexpression in vitro was applied to address the role of RNF31 in colonic mucosal barrier damage.

Taraxasterol acetate targets RNF31 to inhibit RNF31/p53 axis-driven cell proliferation in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Several studies have suggested that taraxasterol acetate (TA) can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. However, to date, it remains unclear how TA inhibits cell growth and how RNF31 functions as an oncogene.