In particular, Nlrp3−/−, Asc−/−, and caspase-1−/− mice were found to be more susceptible to colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS), both characterized by body weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and mortality, suggesting a protective role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the digestive tract. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is colitis.