NFAT5 and colitis: Moreover, Nfat5IEC-KO mice exhibited more severe DSS-induced colitis than did Nfat5fl/fl (Cre recombinase–negative) mice, as determined by body weight loss, DAI score, macroscopic colon shortening, and microscopic pathology results (Figure 3, A–C), demonstrating the critical role of epithelial NFAT5 in aggravating DSS-induced colitis.