Genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms within the gene locus encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) as a risk factor for the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. IBD is characterized by a breakdown of the intestinal epithelial barrier function leading to an overwhelming and uncontrolled immune response to bacterial antigens. Recent studies demonstrated that PTPN2 regulates cytokine-induced signaling pathways, epithelial barrier function, and cytokine secretion in human intestinal cells. Dysfunction of PTPN2 is also associated with impaired autophagosome formation and defective bacterial handling in intestinal cells. All of these cellular functions have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBD. The genetic variations within the PTPN2 gene may result in altered protein function, thereby essentially contributing to the onset and perpetuation of chronic inflammatory conditions in the intestine.
© 2012 New York Academy of Sciences.