However, although enhanced expression of thepro-inflammatory gene IL-6 was similar on day 4 of 4% DSS-induced colitis measured by real-time quantitative PCR in full-thickness samples taken from the colons of WT and IEC AMPK KO mice, there was a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β gene expression levels in DSS-treated IEC AMPK KO mice, indicating higher colonic inflammation in the absence of IEC AMPK in response to acute experimental ulcerative colitis (Figure 1E). Here, PRKAA2 is linked to ulcerative colitis.