Upon exposure to UC microbiota, EGR1 was identified as master regulator by TRRN analysis and is a transcription factor activated through MAPK signaling, involved in tissue injury, immune responses and modulation of TNF-α.38–41 Dong et al. found increased gene expression and activation levels of EGR1 in biopsies from UC patients, compared to healthy controls.42 Also MYC, another top three transcription factors, was found at higher levels in biopsies from patients with IBD by Macpherson et al. and linked to altered cell cycle control due to inflammatory processes.43 This evidence concerns the gene TNF and inflammatory bowel disease.