Effect of interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on osteopontin: molecular function and biological process

Abstract

Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of neonatal cholestasis. Recently it was reported that osteopontin (OPN) expression by human bile duct epithelial cells in culture was responsive to interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This might be an important part in the pathogenesis of BA, but the function of IL-2 and TNF-alpha in OPN expression is not well understood.

Methods: A new gene ontology technology was used to predict the molecular function and biological process of the effect of IL-2 and TNF-alpha on OPN.

Results: Using GoFigure server, the molecular function and biological process of the effect of IL-2 and TNF-alpha on OPN is predicted. Compared to IL-2, TNF-alpha and OPN, the IL-2-TNF-alpha-OPN combination has more functions.

Conclusion: The IL-2-TNF-alpha-OPN combination presents many more functions including positive regulation of osteoclast and response to virus. IL-2 and TNF have a synergistic effect on OPN expression.