A Genome-Wide siRNA Screen Reveals Positive and Negative Regulators of the NOD2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

摘要

The cytoplasmic receptor NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2) senses peptidoglycan fragments and triggers host defense pathways that lead to inflammatory immune responses. Dysregulation of NOD2 signaling is associated with inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and Blau syndrome. We used a genome-wide, small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen to identify regulators of the NOD2 signaling pathway. Several genes associated with Crohn’s disease risk were identified in the screen, supporting a role for NOD2 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathways in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. A comparison of hits from this screen with other “omics” data sets revealed interconnected networks of genes implicated in NF-κB signaling. Secondary assays, including the measurement of interleukin-8 secretion, served to validate many of the regulators. Knockdown of putative regulators in HEK293 cells followed by stimulation with tumor necrosis factor α revealed that most of the genes identified were general regulators of NF-κB signaling. Overall, the genes identified here provide a resource to facilitate the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate NOD2- and NF-κB–mediated inflammation.