Crohn’s Disease: NF-?? Activity Caused by NOD2 Signal Transduction and Increased by NOD2 Mutation and a Clinical Case Study

Abstract

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus. The cause of the disease is still unknown, but scientists have found various genetic mutations that are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. One of these mutations include the NOD2 protein. Research has been conducted to shed light on the NOD2 signal transduction pathway and its involvement in NF-?B activation, a transcription factor that activates the production of various cytokines and chemokines that cause inflammation. By understanding this pathway and its relation to Crohn’s disease, drugs can be developed for more effective treatment. The general background of Crohn’s disease will be outlined including its symptoms, clinical features, epidemiology, and treatment. Chapter 2 is a literature review of research regarding the NOD2 pathway and the effects of NOD2 mutation in the activation of NF-?B. Finally, a model clinical case study will be reviewed in which the diagnosis and treatment of a Crohn’s disease patient are explained.