Caspase-11 regulates the tumour suppressor function of STAT1 in a murine model of colitis-associated carcinogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Murine inflammatory caspase-11 has an important role in intestinal epithelial inflammation and barrier function. Activation of the non-canonical inflammasome, mediated by caspase-11, serves as a regulatory pathway for the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1? and IL-18, and has a key role in pyroptotic cell death. We have previously demonstrated a protective role for caspase-11 during dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, however the importance of caspase-11 during colorectal tumour development remains unclear. Here, we show that Casp11-/- mice are highly susceptible to the azoxymethane (AOM)-DSS model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC), compared to their wild type (WT) littermates. We show that deficient IL-18 production occurs at initial inflammation stages of disease, and that IL-1? production is more significantly impaired in Casp11-/- colons during established CAC. We identify defective STAT1 activation in Casp11-/- colons during disease progression, and show that IL-1? signalling induces caspase-11 expression and STAT1 activation in primary murine macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. These findings uncover an anti-tumour role for the caspase-11 and the non-canonical inflammasome during CAC, and suggest a critical role for caspase-11, linking IL-1? and STAT1 signalling pathways.

SUBMITTER: Flood B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6484510 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature