NLRP3 Inflammasome Basics

What chromosome is the gene that codes for the NLPR3 protein found on?

• Chromosome 2

• Chromosome 1

• Chromosome 45

• Chromosome 7

Where is the inflammasome generally present?

• Macrophages

• Kidney Cells

• Liver Cells

• Gametes

What types of diseases do most mutations cause?

• bacterial infections

• Cancer

• viral infections

• autoimmune diseases

What is fibrosis?

• Tissue buildup that helps the organs function better

• the deposition of collagens in organs and tissues  

• Deposition of keratin on organs and tissues

• Cell masses (tumors) building up on organs and tissues

How is the NLRP3 inflammasome related to fibrosis? In other words, why do scientists focus on this inflammasome when trying to treat fibrosis?

• The inflammasome's job is to break down layers of hardened tissue buildup

• The inflammasome can send signals to break down the buildup on organs

• The inflammasome controls collagen synthesis

• Scientists aren't focusing on this inflammasome

Where is this protein generally found in the cell?

• In the nucleus

• in the cytoplasm

• in the rough ER

• in the mitochondria

The NLRP3 inflammasome is always active.

• True

• False

In response to what is the inflammasome activated?

• danger signals and lowered energy levels

• danger signals and signals from damaged cells

• signals from damaged cells and liver distress

What are the parts of the inflammasome?

• NLRP3 protein, caspases, and cytokines

• NLRP3 inflammasome, ASC protein, procaspase-1

• the 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines

• Its all one part

What do the cytokines including IL-1β and IL-18 do?

• bind the inflammasome together

• induce inflammation

• initiate apoptosis

• break down hardened tissue