1
|
Moreno-Campos R, Singleton EW, Uribe RA. A targeted CRISPR-Cas9 mediated F0 screen identifies genes involved in establishment of the enteric nervous system. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303914. [PMID: 38809858 PMCID: PMC11135701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate enteric nervous system (ENS) is a crucial network of enteric neurons and glia resident within the entire gastrointestinal tract (GI). Overseeing essential GI functions such as gut motility and water balance, the ENS serves as a pivotal bidirectional link in the gut-brain axis. During early development, the ENS is primarily derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Disruptions to ENCC development, as seen in conditions like Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), lead to the absence of ENS in the GI, particularly in the colon. In this study, using zebrafish, we devised an in vivo F0 CRISPR-based screen employing a robust, rapid pipeline integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR reverse genetics, and high-content imaging. Our findings unveil various genes, including those encoding opioid receptors, as possible regulators of ENS establishment. In addition, we present evidence that suggests opioid receptor involvement in the neurochemical coding of the larval ENS. In summary, our work presents a novel, efficient CRISPR screen targeting ENS development, facilitating the discovery of previously unknown genes, and increasing knowledge of nervous system construction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno-Campos
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eileen W. Singleton
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou B, Feng C, Sun S, Chen X, Zhuansun D, Wang D, Yu X, Meng X, Xiao J, Wu L, Wang J, Wang J, Chen K, Li Z, You J, Mao H, Yang S, Zhang J, Jiao C, Li Z, Yu D, Wu X, Zhu T, Yang J, Xiang L, Liu J, Chai T, Shen J, Mao CX, Hu J, Hao X, Xiong B, Zheng S, Liu Z, Feng J. Identification of signaling pathways that specify a subset of migrating enteric neural crest cells at the wavefront in mouse embryos. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00202-8. [PMID: 38636517 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
During enteric nervous system (ENS) development, pioneering wavefront enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) initiate gut colonization. However, the molecular mechanisms guiding their specification and niche interaction are not fully understood. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the spatiotemporal dynamics and molecular landscape of wavefront ENCCs in mouse embryos. Our analysis shows a progressive decline in wavefront ENCC potency during migration and identifies transcription factors governing their specification and differentiation. We further delineate key signaling pathways (ephrin-Eph, Wnt-Frizzled, and Sema3a-Nrp1) utilized by wavefront ENCCs to interact with their surrounding cells. Disruptions in these pathways are observed in human Hirschsprung's disease gut tissue, linking them to ENS malformations. Additionally, we observed region-specific and cell-type-specific transcriptional changes in surrounding gut tissues upon wavefront ENCC arrival, suggesting their role in shaping the gut microenvironment. This work offers a roadmap of ENS development, with implications for understanding ENS disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chenzhao Feng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Didi Zhuansun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaosi Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luyao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zejian Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jingyi You
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Handan Mao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chunlei Jiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Donghai Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tianqi Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jixin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiazhe Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | | | - Juan Shen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juncheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xingjie Hao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jiexiong Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu W, Yan H, Jia W, Huang J, Fu Z, Xu W, Yu H, Yang W, Pan W, Zheng B, Liu Y, Chen X, Gao Y, Tian D. Association between gut microbiota and Hirschsprung disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1366181. [PMID: 38516012 PMCID: PMC10956417 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1366181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have pointed to the critical role of gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) pathogenesis. However, the detailed causal relationship between GM and HSCR remains unknown. Methods In this study, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between GM and HSCR, based on the MiBioGen Consortium's genome-wide association study (GWAS) and the GWAS Catalog's HSCR data. Reverse MR analysis was performed subsequently, and the sensitivity analysis, Cochran's Q-test, MR pleiotropy residual sum, outlier (MR-PRESSO), and the MR-Egger intercept were used to analyze heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. 16S rDNA sequencing and targeted mass spectrometry were developed for initial validation. Results In the forward MR analysis, inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimates suggested that Eggerthella (OR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.23-5.74, p = 0.01) was a risk factor for HSCR, while Peptococcus (OR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.18-0.73, p = 0.004), Ruminococcus2 (OR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.91, p = 0.03), Clostridiaceae1 (OR: 0.22, 95%CI: 0.06-0.78, p = 0.02), Mollicutes RF9 (OR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.09-0.8, p = 0.02), Ruminococcaceae (OR: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.04-0.66, p = 0.01), and Paraprevotella (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21-0.98, p = 0.04) were protective factors for HSCR, which had no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. However, reverse MR analysis showed that HSCR (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1-1.03, p = 0.049) is the risk factor for Eggerthella. Furthermore, some of the above microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were altered in HSCR, showing a correlation. Conclusion Our analysis established the relationship between specific GM and HSCR, identifying specific bacteria as protective or risk factors. Significant microbiota and SCFAs were altered in HSCR, underlining the importance of further study and providing new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hanlei Yan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanying Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zihao Fu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenyao Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baijun Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Donghao Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Meng X, Chen X, Xiao J, Yu X, Wu L, Li Z, Chen K, Zhang X, Xiong B, Feng J. Cinchophen induces RPA1 related DNA damage and apoptosis to impair ENS development of zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116032. [PMID: 38306819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become contaminants widely distributed in the environment due to improper disposal and discharge. Previous study has found several components might involve in impairing enteric nervous system (ENS) development of zebrafish, including NSAIDs cinchophen. Deficient ENS development in fetal could lead to Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), a congenital neurocristopathy characterized by absence of enteric neurons in hindgut. However, the intrinsic mechanism of neurotoxicity of cinchophen is unclear. We confirmed that cinchophen could impair ENS development of zebrafish and transcriptome sequencing revealed that disfunction of Replication protein A1 (RPA1), which is involved in DNA replication and repairment, might be relevant to the neurotoxicity effects induced by cinchophen. Based on previous data of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of zebrafish gut cells, we observed that rpa1 mainly expressed in proliferating, differentiating ENS cells and neural crest progenitors. Interestingly, cinchophen induced apoptosis and impaired proliferation. Furthermore, cinchophen caused DNA damage and abnormal activation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated/ Rad3 related (ATM/ATR) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2). Finally, molecular docking indicated cinchophen could bind and antagonize RPA1 more effectively. Our study might provide a better understanding and draw more attention to the role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of HSCR. And the mechanism of cinchophen neurotoxicity would give theoretical guidance for clinical pharmacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaosi Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Luyao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zejian Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pingshan District Maternal & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Jiexiong Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ohkura T, Burns AJ, Hotta R. Updates and Challenges in ENS Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Neurointestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38397466 PMCID: PMC10887039 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases represent a significant challenge in clinical management with current palliative approaches failing to overcome disease and treatment-related morbidity. The recent progress with cell therapy to restore missing or defective components of the gut neuromusculature offers new hope for potential cures. This review discusses the progress that has been made in the sourcing of putative stem cells and the studies into their biology and therapeutic potential. We also explore some of the practical challenges that must be overcome before cell-based therapies can be applied in the clinical setting. Although a number of obstacles remain, the rapid advances made in the enteric neural stem cell field suggest that such therapies are on the near horizon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Alan J. Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scharr M, Hirt B, Neckel PH. Spatial gene expression profile of Wnt-signaling components in the murine enteric nervous system. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302488. [PMID: 38322254 PMCID: PMC10846065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wnt-signaling is a key regulator of stem cell homeostasis, extensively studied in the intestinal crypt and other metazoan tissues. Yet, there is hardly any data available on the presence of Wnt-signaling components in the adult enteric nervous system (ENS) in vivo. Methods Therefore, we employed RNAscope HiPlex-assay, a novel and more sensitive in situ hybridization technology. By amplifying target specific signals, this technique enables the detection of low abundance, tightly regulated RNA content as is the case for Wnt-signaling components. Additionally, we compared our data to previously published physiological single cell RNA and RiboTag-based RNA sequencing analyses of enteric gliosis using data-mining approaches. Results Our descriptive analysis shows that several components of the multidi-mensional regulatory network of the Wnt-signaling pathway are present in the murine ENS. The transport and secretion protein for Wnt-ligands Wntless as well as canonical (Wnt3a and Wnt2b) and non-canonical Wnt-ligands (Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Wnt8b and Wnt11) are detectable within submucosal and myenteric plexus. Further, corresponding Frizzled receptors (Fzd1, Fzd3, Fzd6, and Fzd7) and regulatory signaling mediators like R-Spondin/DKK ligands are present in the ENS of the small and large intestine. Further, data mining approaches revealed, that several Wnt-related molecules are expressed by enteric glial cell clusters and are dynamically regulated during the inflammatory manifestation of enteric gliosis. Discussion Our results suggest, that canonical and non-canonical Wnt-signaling has a much broader impact on the mature ENS and its cellular homeostasis in health and inflammation, than previously anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter H. Neckel
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tournière O, Busengdal H, Gahan JM, Rentzsch F. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for Studying the Specification and Differentiation of Cell Types in Nematostella vectensis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2784:59-75. [PMID: 38502478 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3766-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is a genetically tractable cnidarian species that has become a model organism for studying the evolution of developmental processes and genome regulation, resilience to fluctuations in environmental conditions, and the response to pollutants. Gene expression analyses are central to many of these studies, and in situ hybridization has been an important method for obtaining spatial information, in particular during embryonic development. Like other cnidarians, Nematostella embryos are of comparably low morphological complexity, but they possess many cell types that are dispersed throughout the tissue and originate from broad and overlapping areas. These features have made two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization an important method to determine potential co-expression of genes and to generate hypotheses for their functions in cell fate specification. We here share protocols for single and double fluorescence in situ hybridization in Nematostella and for the combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Océane Tournière
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Nice, France
| | | | - James M Gahan
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fabian Rentzsch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moreno-Campos R, Singleton EW, Uribe RA. A targeted CRISPR-Cas9 mediated F0 screen identifies genes involved in establishment of the enteric nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573581. [PMID: 38234831 PMCID: PMC10793464 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The vertebrate enteric nervous system (ENS) is a crucial network of enteric neurons and glia resident within the entire gastrointestinal tract (GI). Overseeing essential GI functions such as gut motility and water balance, the ENS serves as a pivotal bidirectional link in the gut-brain axis. During early development, the ENS is primarily derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Disruptions to ENCC development, as seen in conditions like Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), lead to absence of ENS in the GI, particularly in the colon. In this study, using zebrafish, we devised an in vivo F0 CRISPR-based screen employing a robust, rapid pipeline integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR reverse genetics, and high-content imaging. Our findings unveil various genes, including those encoding for opioid receptors, as possible regulators of ENS establishment. In addition, we present evidence that suggests opioid receptor involvement in neurochemical coding of the larval ENS. In summary, our work presents a novel, efficient CRISPR screen targeting ENS development, facilitating the discovery of previously unknown genes, and increasing knowledge of nervous system construction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno-Campos
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
| | - Eileen W. Singleton
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferenczi S, Mogor F, Takacs P, Kovacs T, Toth VE, Varga ZV, Kovács K, Lohinai Z, Vass KC, Nagy N, Dora D. Depletion of muscularis macrophages ameliorates inflammation-driven dysmotility in murine colitis model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22451. [PMID: 38105266 PMCID: PMC10725888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, the presence of a blood-myenteric plexus barrier and its disruption was reported in experimentally induced colitis via a macrophage-dependent process. The aim of this study is to reveal how myenteric barrier disruption and subsequent neuronal injury affects gut motility in vivo in a murine colitis model. We induced colitis with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), with the co-administration of liposome-encapsulated clodronate (L-clodronate) to simultaneously deplete blood monocytes contributing to macrophage infiltration in the inflamed muscularis of experimental mice. DSS-treated animals receiving concurrent L-clodronate injection showed significantly decreased blood monocyte numbers and colon muscularis macrophage (MM) density compared to DSS-treated control (DSS-vehicle). DSS-clodronate-treated mice exhibited significantly slower whole gut transit time than DSS-vehicle-treated animals and comparable to that of controls. Experiments with oral gavage-fed Evans-blue dye showed similar whole gut transit times in DSS-clodronate-treated mice as in control animals. Furthermore, qPCR-analysis and immunofluorescence on colon muscularis samples revealed that factors associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, including Bax1, Hdac4, IL-18, Casp8 and Hif1a are overexpressed after DSS-treatment, but not in the case of concurrent L-clodronate administration. Our findings highlight that MM-infiltration in the muscularis layer is responsible for colitis-associated dysmotility and enteric neuronal dysfunction along with the release of mediators associated with neurodegeneration in a murine experimental model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Szilamér Ferenczi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Mogor
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto St. 58, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Peter Takacs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto St. 58, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Tamas Kovacs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto St. 58, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktoria E Toth
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán V Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovács
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Lohinai
- Translational Medicine Institute, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Koppány Csaba Vass
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto St. 58, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - David Dora
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto St. 58, Budapest, 1094, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kanai SM, Clouthier DE. Endothelin signaling in development. Development 2023; 150:dev201786. [PMID: 38078652 PMCID: PMC10753589 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of endothelin 1 (EDN1) in 1988, the role of endothelin ligands and their receptors in the regulation of blood pressure in normal and disease states has been extensively studied. However, endothelin signaling also plays crucial roles in the development of neural crest cell-derived tissues. Mechanisms of endothelin action during neural crest cell maturation have been deciphered using a variety of in vivo and in vitro approaches, with these studies elucidating the basis of human syndromes involving developmental differences resulting from altered endothelin signaling. In this Review, we describe the endothelin pathway and its functions during the development of neural crest-derived tissues. We also summarize how dysregulated endothelin signaling causes developmental differences and how this knowledge may lead to potential treatments for individuals with gene variants in the endothelin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley M. Kanai
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David E. Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Frith ME, Kashyap PC, Linden DR, Theriault B, Chang EB. Microbiota-dependent early life programming of gastrointestinal motility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.08.566304. [PMID: 38014241 PMCID: PMC10680557 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.08.566304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal microbes modulate peristalsis and stimulate the enteric nervous system (ENS), whose development, as in the central nervous system (CNS), continues into the murine postweaning period. Given that adult CNS function depends on stimuli received during critical periods of postnatal development, we hypothesized that adult ENS function, namely motility, depends on microbial stimuli during similar critical periods. We gave fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to germ-free mice at weaning or as adults and found that only the mice given FMT at weaning recovered normal transit, while those given FMT as adults showed limited improvements. RNAseq of colonic muscularis propria revealed enrichments in neuron developmental pathways in mice exposed to gut microbes earlier in life, while mice exposed later - or not at all - showed exaggerated expression of inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight a microbiota-dependent sensitive period in ENS development, pointing to potential roles of the early life microbiome in later life dysmotility.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jacobs-Li J, Tang W, Li C, Bronner ME. Single-cell profiling coupled with lineage analysis reveals vagal and sacral neural crest contributions to the developing enteric nervous system. eLife 2023; 12:e79156. [PMID: 37877560 PMCID: PMC10627514 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, much of the enteric nervous system (ENS) arises from the vagal neural crest that emerges from the caudal hindbrain and colonizes the entire gastrointestinal tract. However, a second ENS contribution comes from the sacral neural crest that arises in the caudal neural tube and populates the post-umbilical gut. By coupling single-cell transcriptomics with axial-level-specific lineage tracing in avian embryos, we compared the contributions of embryonic vagal and sacral neural crest cells to the chick ENS and the associated peripheral ganglia (Nerve of Remak and pelvic plexuses). At embryonic day (E) 10, the two neural crest populations form overlapping subsets of neuronal and glia cell types. Surprisingly, the post-umbilical vagal neural crest much more closely resembles the sacral neural crest than the pre-umbilical vagal neural crest. However, some differences in cluster types were noted between vagal and sacral derived cells. Notably, RNA trajectory analysis suggests that the vagal neural crest maintains a neuronal/glial progenitor pool, whereas this cluster is depleted in the E10 sacral neural crest which instead has numerous enteric glia. The present findings reveal sacral neural crest contributions to the hindgut and associated peripheral ganglia and highlight the potential influence of the local environment and/or developmental timing in differentiation of neural crest-derived cells in the developing ENS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jacobs-Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Weiyi Tang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Can Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Montalva L, Cheng LS, Kapur R, Langer JC, Berrebi D, Kyrklund K, Pakarinen M, de Blaauw I, Bonnard A, Gosain A. Hirschsprung disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:54. [PMID: 37828049 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00465-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a rare congenital intestinal disease that occurs in 1 in 5,000 live births. HSCR is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the intestine. Most patients present during the neonatal period with the first meconium passage delayed beyond 24 h, abdominal distension and vomiting. Syndromes associated with HSCR include trisomy 21, Mowat-Wilson syndrome, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, Shah-Waardenburg syndrome and cartilage-hair hypoplasia. Multiple putative genes are involved in familial and isolated HSCR, of which the most common are the RET proto-oncogene and EDNRB. Diagnosis consists of visualization of a transition zone on contrast enema and confirmation via rectal biopsy. HSCR is typically managed by surgical removal of the aganglionic bowel and reconstruction of the intestinal tract by connecting the normally innervated bowel down to the anus while preserving normal sphincter function. Several procedures, namely Swenson, Soave and Duhamel procedures, can be undertaken and may include a laparoscopically assisted approach. Short-term and long-term comorbidities include persistent obstructive symptoms, enterocolitis and soiling. Continued research and innovation to better understand disease mechanisms holds promise for developing novel techniques for diagnosis and therapy, and improving outcomes in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Montalva
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Robert-Debré Children's University Hospital, Paris, France.
- Faculty of Health, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France.
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM UMR1141, Paris, France.
| | - Lily S Cheng
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Raj Kapur
- Department of Pathology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob C Langer
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dominique Berrebi
- Department of Pathology, Robert-Debré and Necker Children's University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Kristiina Kyrklund
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Pakarinen
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ivo de Blaauw
- Department of Surgery, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Radboudumc-Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Arnaud Bonnard
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Robert-Debré Children's University Hospital, Paris, France
- Faculty of Health, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM UMR1141, Paris, France
| | - Ankush Gosain
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang W, Chen SC, Wang TE, Tsai PS, Chen JC, Chen PL. L1cam alternative shorter transcripts encoding the extracellular domains were overexpressed in the intestine of L1cam knockdown mice. Gene 2023; 881:147643. [PMID: 37453721 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder of functional bowel obstruction due to the absence of enteric ganglia in distal bowel. Different L1cam variants were reportedly associated with L1cam syndrome and HSCR, whose phenotypes lacked predictable relevance to their genotypes. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we found an L1CAM de novo frameshift mutation in a female with mild hydrocephalus and skip-type HSCR. A nearly identical L1cam variant was introduced into FVB/NJ mice via the CRISPR-EZ method. A silent mutation was created via ssODN to gain an artificial Ncol restriction enzyme site for easier genotyping. Six L1cam protein-coding alternative transcripts were quantitatively measured. Immunofluorescence staining with polyclonal and monoclonal L1cam antibodies was used to characterize L1cam isoform proteins in enteric ganglia. Fifteen mice, seven males and eight females, generated via CRISPR-EZ, were confirmed to carry the L1cam frameshift variant, resulting in a premature stop codon. There was no prominent hydrocephalus nor HSCR-like presentation in these mice, but male infertility was noticed after observation for three generations in a total of 176 mice. Full-length L1cam transcripts were detected at a very low level in the intestinal tissues and almost none in the brain of these mice. Alternative shorter transcripts encoding the extracellular domains were overexpressed in the intestine of L1cam knockdown mice. Immunofluorescence confirmed no fulllength L1cam protein in enteric ganglia. These shorter L1cam isoform proteins might play a role in protecting L1cam knockdown mice from HSCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Yang
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Pediatric Research Center, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chieh Chen
- Pediatric Research Center, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tse-En Wang
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiue Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Chang Chen
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Pediatric Research Center, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Departments of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Departments of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Laddach A, Chng SH, Lasrado R, Progatzky F, Shapiro M, Erickson A, Sampedro Castaneda M, Artemov AV, Bon-Frauches AC, Amaniti EM, Kleinjung J, Boeing S, Ultanir S, Adameyko I, Pachnis V. A branching model of lineage differentiation underpinning the neurogenic potential of enteric glia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5904. [PMID: 37737269 PMCID: PMC10516949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells have been proposed as a source of neural progenitors, but the mechanisms underpinning the neurogenic potential of adult glia are not known. Using single cell transcriptomic profiling, we show that enteric glial cells represent a cell state attained by autonomic neural crest cells as they transition along a linear differentiation trajectory that allows them to retain neurogenic potential while acquiring mature glial functions. Key neurogenic loci in early enteric nervous system progenitors remain in open chromatin configuration in mature enteric glia, thus facilitating neuronal differentiation under appropriate conditions. Molecular profiling and gene targeting of enteric glial cells in a cell culture model of enteric neurogenesis and a gut injury model demonstrate that neuronal differentiation of glia is driven by transcriptional programs employed in vivo by early progenitors. Our work provides mechanistic insight into the regulatory landscape underpinning the development of intestinal neural circuits and generates a platform for advancing glial cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of neural deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laddach
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Song Hui Chng
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Experimental Drug Development Centre A*STAR 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, 138670, Singapore
| | - Reena Lasrado
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- COMPASS Pathways PLC, Fora, 33 Broadwick St, London, W1F 0DQ, UK
| | - Fränze Progatzky
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael Shapiro
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Alek Erickson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
| | - Marisol Sampedro Castaneda
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Artem V Artemov
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Bienna, 1090, Austria
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Carina Bon-Frauches
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Eleni-Maria Amaniti
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, London, UK
| | - Jens Kleinjung
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6DG, UK
| | - Stefan Boeing
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sila Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17165, Sweden
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Bienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Vassilis Pachnis
- Nervous System Development and Homeostasis Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nikaido M, Shirai A, Mizumaki Y, Shigenobu S, Ueno N, Hatta K. Intestinal expression patterns of transcription factors and markers for interstitial cells in the larval zebrafish. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:418-428. [PMID: 37452633 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
For the digestion of food, it is important for the gut to be differentiated regionally and to have proper motor control. However, the number of transcription factors that regulate its development is still limited. Meanwhile, the interstitial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are necessary for intestinal motility in addition to the enteric nervous system. There are anoctamine1 (Ano1)-positive and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (Pdgfra)-positive interstitial cells in mammal, but Pdgfra-positive cells have not been reported in the zebrafish. To identify new transcription factors involved in GI tract development, we used RNA sequencing comparing between larval and adult gut. We isolated 40 transcription factors that were more highly expressed in the larval gut. We demonstrated expression patterns of the 13 genes, 7 of which were newly found to be expressed in the zebrafish larval gut. Six of the 13 genes encode nuclear receptors. The osr2 is expressed in the anterior part, while foxP4 in its distal part. Also, we reported the expression pattern of pdgfra for the first time in the larval zebrafish gut. Our data provide fundamental knowledge for studying vertebrate gut regionalization and motility by live imaging using zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayaka Shirai
- School of Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Japan
| | | | - Shuji Shigenobu
- Trans-Scale Biology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Trans-Scale Biology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Unit of Quantitative and Imaging Biology, International Research Collaboration Center, National Institute of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kohei Hatta
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Che YH, Choi IY, Song CE, Park C, Lim SK, Kim JH, Sung SH, Park JH, Lee S, Kim YJ. Peripheral Neuron-Organoid Interaction Induces Colonic Epithelial Differentiation via Non-Synaptic Substance P Secretion. Int J Stem Cells 2023; 16:269-280. [PMID: 37385635 PMCID: PMC10465334 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The colonic epithelial layer is a complex structure consisting of multiple cell types that regulate various aspects of colonic physiology, yet the mechanisms underlying epithelial cell differentiation during development remain unclear. Organoids have emerged as a promising model for investigating organogenesis, but achieving organ-like cell configurations within colonic organoids is challenging. Here, we investigated the biological significance of peripheral neurons in the formation of colonic organoids. Methods and Results Colonic organoids were co-cultured with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived peripheral neurons, resulting in the morphological maturation of columnar epithelial cells, as well as the presence of enterochromaffin cells. Substance P released from immature peripheral neurons played a critical role in the development of colonic epithelial cells. These findings highlight the vital role of inter-organ interactions in organoid development and provide insights into colonic epithelial cell differentiation mechanisms. Conclusions Our results suggest that the peripheral nervous system may have a significant role in the development of colonic epithelial cells, which could have important implications for future studies of organogenesis and disease modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Hyun Che
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Young Choi
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Eui Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chulsoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kwon Lim
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Haeng Sung
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Jun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sunardi M, Cirillo C. Mini-review: "Enteric glia functions in nervous tissue repair: Therapeutic target or tool?". Neurosci Lett 2023; 812:137360. [PMID: 37393007 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In the body, nerve tissue is not only present in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a highly organized intrinsic network of neurons and glial cells grouped to form interconnected ganglia. Glial cells in the ENS are a fascinating cell population: their neurotrophic role is well established, as well as their plasticity in specific circumstances. Gene expression profiling studies indicate that ENS glia retain neurogenic potential. The identification of neurogenic glial subtype(s) and the molecular basis of glia-derived neurogenesis may have profound biological and clinical implications. In this review, we discuss the potential of using gene-editing for ENS glia and cell transplantation as therapies for enteric neuropathies. Glia in the ENS: target or tool for nerve tissue repair?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukhamad Sunardi
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration (NDR), Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Carla Cirillo
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration (NDR), Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan; Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vincent E, Chatterjee S, Cannon GH, Auer D, Ross H, Chakravarti A, Goff LA. Ret deficiency decreases neural crest progenitor proliferation and restricts fate potential during enteric nervous system development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211986120. [PMID: 37585461 PMCID: PMC10451519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211986120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase RET plays a critical role in the fate specification of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs) during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. RET loss of function (LoF) is associated with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), which is marked by aganglionosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although the major phenotypic consequences and the underlying transcriptional changes from Ret LoF in the developing ENS have been described, cell type- and state-specific effects are unknown. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on an enriched population of ENCDCs from the developing GI tract of Ret null heterozygous and homozygous mice at embryonic day (E)12.5 and E14.5. We demonstrate four significant findings: 1) Ret-expressing ENCDCs are a heterogeneous population comprising ENS progenitors as well as glial- and neuronal-committed cells; 2) neurons committed to a predominantly inhibitory motor neuron developmental trajectory are not produced under Ret LoF, leaving behind a mostly excitatory motor neuron developmental program; 3) expression patterns of HSCR-associated and Ret gene regulatory network genes are impacted by Ret LoF; and 4) Ret deficiency leads to precocious differentiation and reduction in the number of proliferating ENS precursors. Our results support a model in which Ret contributes to multiple distinct cellular phenotypes during development of the ENS, including the specification of inhibitory neuron subtypes, cell cycle dynamics of ENS progenitors, and the developmental timing of neuronal and glial commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Vincent
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Sumantra Chatterjee
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Gabrielle H. Cannon
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Dallas Auer
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Holly Ross
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Aravinda Chakravarti
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Loyal A. Goff
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205
- Kavli Neurodiscovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21205
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lemaître QIB, Bartsch N, Kouzel IU, Busengdal H, Richards GS, Steinmetz PRH, Rentzsch F. NvPrdm14d-expressing neural progenitor cells contribute to non-ectodermal neurogenesis in Nematostella vectensis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4854. [PMID: 37563174 PMCID: PMC10415408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis has been studied extensively in the ectoderm, from which most animals generate the majority of their neurons. Neurogenesis from non-ectodermal tissue is, in contrast, poorly understood. Here we use the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis as a model to provide new insights into the molecular regulation of non-ectodermal neurogenesis. We show that the transcription factor NvPrdm14d is expressed in a subpopulation of NvSoxB(2)-expressing endodermal progenitor cells and their NvPOU4-expressing progeny. Using a new transgenic reporter line, we show that NvPrdm14d-expressing cells give rise to neurons in the body wall and in close vicinity of the longitudinal retractor muscles. RNA-sequencing of NvPrdm14d::GFP-expressing cells and gene knockdown experiments provide candidate genes for the development and function of these neurons. Together, the identification of a population of endoderm-specific neural progenitor cells and of previously undescribed putative motoneurons in Nematostella provide new insights into the regulation of non-ectodermal neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quentin I B Lemaître
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | - Natascha Bartsch
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
- Department for Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ian U Kouzel
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henriette Busengdal
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gemma Sian Richards
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Fabian Rentzsch
- Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway.
- Department for Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen K, You J, Yang S, Meng X, Chen X, Wu L, Yu X, Xiao J, Feng J. Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 of circular smooth muscle leads to hyperactive contraction in aganglionic segments of HSCR. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:214. [PMID: 37278766 PMCID: PMC10244273 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin Alpha 2 (ACTA2) is expressed in intestinal smooth muscle cells (iSMCs) and is associated with contractility. Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), one of the most common digested tract malformations, shows peristaltic dysfunction and spasm smooth muscles. The arrangement of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle (SM) of the aganglionic segments is disorganized. Does ACTA2, as a marker of iSMCs, exhibit abnormal expression in aganglionic segments? Does the ACTA2 expression level affect the contraction function of iSMCs? What are the spatiotemporal expression trends of ACTA2 during different developmental stages of the colon? METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of ACTA2 in iSMCs of children with HSCR and Ednrb-/- mice, and the small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) knockdown technique was employed to investigate how Acta2 affected the systolic function of iSMCs. Additionally, Ednrb-/- mice were used to explore the changes in the expression level of iSMCs ACTA2 at different developmental stages. RESULTS The expression of ACTA2 is higher in circular SM in the aganglionic segments of HSCR patients and Ednrb-/- mice than in normal control children and mice. Down regulation of Acta2 weakens the contraction ability of intestinal smooth muscle cells. Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 of circular smooth muscle occurs since embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5d) in aganglionic segments of Ednrb-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Abnormally elevated expression of ACTA2 in the circular SM leads to hyperactive contraction, which may cause the spasm of aganglionic segments in HSCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Jingyi You
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Luyao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Xiaosi Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China.
| | - Jiexiong Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430043, China.
- Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Halasy V, Szőcs E, Soós Á, Kovács T, Pecsenye-Fejszák N, Hotta R, Goldstein AM, Nagy N. CXCR4 and CXCL12 signaling regulates the development of extrinsic innervation to the colorectum. Development 2023; 150:dev201289. [PMID: 37039233 PMCID: PMC10263150 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is innervated by an intrinsic neuronal network, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), and by extrinsic axons arising from peripheral ganglia. The nerve of Remak (NoR) is an avian-specific sacral neural crest-derived ganglionated structure that extends from the cloaca to the proximal midgut and, similar to the pelvic plexus, provides extrinsic innervation to the distal intestine. The molecular mechanisms controlling extrinsic nerve fiber growth into the gut is unknown. In vertebrates, CXCR4, a cell-surface receptor for the CXCL12 chemokine, regulates migration of neural crest cells and axon pathfinding. We have employed chimeric tissue recombinations and organ culture assays to study the role of CXCR4 and CXCL12 molecules in the development of colorectal innervation. CXCR4 is specifically expressed in nerve fibers arising from the NoR and pelvic plexus, while CXCL12 is localized to the hindgut mesenchyme and enteric ganglia. Overexpression of CXCL12 results in significantly enhanced axonal projections to the gut from the NoR, while CXCR4 inhibition disrupts nerve fiber extension, supporting a previously unreported role for CXCR4 and CXCL12 signaling in extrinsic innervation of the colorectum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Halasy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Emőke Szőcs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Ádám Soós
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Nóra Pecsenye-Fejszák
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allan M. Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nándor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sharkey KA, Mawe GM. The enteric nervous system. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1487-1564. [PMID: 36521049 PMCID: PMC9970663 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all the organ systems in the body, the gastrointestinal tract is the most complicated in terms of the numbers of structures involved, each with different functions, and the numbers and types of signaling molecules utilized. The digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, and water occurs in a hostile luminal environment that contains a large and diverse microbiota. At the core of regulatory control of the digestive and defensive functions of the gastrointestinal tract is the enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex system of neurons and glia in the gut wall. In this review, we discuss 1) the intrinsic neural control of gut functions involved in digestion and 2) how the ENS interacts with the immune system, gut microbiota, and epithelium to maintain mucosal defense and barrier function. We highlight developments that have revolutionized our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of enteric neural control. These include a new understanding of the molecular architecture of the ENS, the organization and function of enteric motor circuits, and the roles of enteric glia. We explore the transduction of luminal stimuli by enteroendocrine cells, the regulation of intestinal barrier function by enteric neurons and glia, local immune control by the ENS, and the role of the gut microbiota in regulating the structure and function of the ENS. Multifunctional enteric neurons work together with enteric glial cells, macrophages, interstitial cells, and enteroendocrine cells integrating an array of signals to initiate outputs that are precisely regulated in space and time to control digestion and intestinal homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gary M Mawe
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Guyer RA, Stavely R, Robertson K, Bhave S, Mueller JL, Picard NM, Hotta R, Kaltschmidt JA, Goldstein AM. Single-cell multiome sequencing clarifies enteric glial diversity and identifies an intraganglionic population poised for neurogenesis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112194. [PMID: 36857184 PMCID: PMC10123761 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of glial cells (EGCs) and neurons derived from neural crest precursors. EGCs retain capacity for large-scale neurogenesis in culture, and in vivo lineage tracing has identified neurons derived from glial cells in response to inflammation. We thus hypothesize that EGCs possess a chromatin structure poised for neurogenesis. We use single-cell multiome sequencing to simultaneously assess transcription and chromatin accessibility in EGCs undergoing spontaneous neurogenesis in culture, as well as small intestine myenteric plexus EGCs. Cultured EGCs maintain open chromatin at genomic loci accessible in neurons, and neurogenesis from EGCs involves dynamic chromatin rearrangements with a net decrease in accessible chromatin. A subset of in vivo EGCs, highly enriched within the myenteric ganglia and that persist into adulthood, have a gene expression program and chromatin state consistent with neurogenic potential. These results clarify the mechanisms underlying EGC potential for neuronal fate transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keiramarie Robertson
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica L Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole M Picard
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia A Kaltschmidt
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ganz J, Ratcliffe EM. Who's talking to whom: microbiome-enteric nervous system interactions in early life. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G196-G206. [PMID: 36625480 PMCID: PMC9988524 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00166.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and regulates important GI functions, including motility, nutrient uptake, and immune response. The development of the ENS begins during early organogenesis and continues to develop once feeding begins, with ongoing plasticity into adulthood. There has been increasing recognition that the intestinal microbiota and ENS interact during critical periods, with implications for normal development and potential disease pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on insights from mouse and zebrafish model systems to compare and contrast how each model can serve in elucidating the bidirectional communication between the ENS and the microbiome. At the end of this review, we further outline implications for human disease and highlight research innovations that can lead the field forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ganz
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Almannai M, AlAbdi L, Maddirevula S, Alotaibi M, Alsaleem BM, Aljadhai YI, Alsaif HS, Abukhalid M, Alkuraya FS. KIF26A is mutated in the syndrome of congenital hydrocephalus with megacolon. Hum Genet 2023; 142:399-405. [PMID: 36564622 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human disorders of the enteric nervous system (ENS), e.g., Hirschsprung's disease, are rarely associated with major central nervous system involvement. We describe two families each segregating a different homozygous truncating variant in KIF26A with a unique constellation of severe megacolon that resembles Hirschsprung's disease but lacks aganglionosis as well as brain malformations that range from severe to mild. The intestinal phenotype bears a striking resemblance to that observed in Kif26a-/- mice where KIF26A deficiency was found to cause abnormal GDNF-Ret signaling resulting in failure to establish normal neuronal networks despite myenteric neuronal hyperplasia. Very recently, a range of brain developmental phenotypes were described in patients and mice with KIF26A deficiency and were found to result from abnormal radial migration and increased apoptosis. Our report, therefore, reveals a recognizable autosomal-recessive human KIF26A deficiency phenotype characterized by severe ENS dysfunction and a range of brain malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Almannai
- Genetics and Precision Medicine Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lama AlAbdi
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Zoology, Collage of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Alotaibi
- Department of Genetics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badr M Alsaleem
- Gastroenterology Division, Intestinal Failure Rehabilitation Program, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser I Aljadhai
- Department of Neuroimaging and Intervention, Medical Imaging Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hessa S Alsaif
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centers of Excellence Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad Abukhalid
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Smith M, Chhabra S, Shukla R, Kenny S, Almond S, Edgar D, Wilm B. The transition zone in Hirschsprung's bowel contains abnormal hybrid ganglia with characteristics of extrinsic nerves. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:287-298. [PMID: 36606638 PMCID: PMC9843525 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aganglionic bowel in short-segment Hirschsprung's disease is characterized both by the absence of enteric ganglia and the presence of extrinsic thickened nerve bundles (TNBs). The relationship between the TNBs and the loss of enteric ganglia is unknown. Previous studies have described decreasing numbers of ganglia with increasing density of TNBs within the transition zone (TZ) between ganglionic and aganglionic gut, and there is some evidence of spatial contact between them in this region. To determine the cellular interactions involved, we have analysed the expression of perineurial markers of TNBs and enteric ganglionic markers for both neural cells and their ensheathing telocytes across four cranio-caudal segments consisting of most proximal ganglionic to most distal aganglionic from pull-through resected colon. We show that in the TZ, enteric ganglia are abnormal, being surrounded by perineurium cells characteristic of TNBs. Furthermore, short processes of ganglionic neurons extend caudally towards the aganglionic region, where telocytes in the TNB are located between the perineurium and nerve fibres into which they project telopodes. Thus, enteric ganglia within the TZ have abnormal structural characteristics, the cellular relationships of which are shared by the TNBs. These findings will help towards elucidation of the cellular mechanisms involved in the aetiology of Hirschsprung's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Smith
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - Sumita Chhabra
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolMerseysideUK,Department of Paediatric SurgeryAlder Hey Children's HospitalLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - Rajeev Shukla
- Department of HistopathologyAlder Hey Children's HospitalLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - Simon Kenny
- Department of Paediatric SurgeryAlder Hey Children's HospitalLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - Sarah Almond
- Department of Paediatric SurgeryAlder Hey Children's HospitalLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - David Edgar
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolMerseysideUK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tian D, Xu W, Pan W, Zheng B, Yang W, Jia W, Liu Y, Garstka MA, Gao Y, Yu H. Fecal microbiota transplantation enhances cell therapy in a rat model of hypoganglionosis by SCFA-induced MEK1/2 signaling pathway. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111139. [PMID: 36382711 PMCID: PMC9811615 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), one of several neurocristopathies in children, is characterized by nerve loss in the large intestine and is mainly treated by surgery, which causes severe complications. Enteric neural crest-derived cell (ENCC) transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy; however, so far with poor efficacy. Here, we assessed whether and how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could improve ENCC transplantation in a rat model of hypoganglionosis; a condition similar to HSCR, with less intestinal innervation. We found that the hypoganglionosis intestinal microenvironment negatively influenced the ENCC functional phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Combining 16S rDNA sequencing and targeted mass spectrometry revealed microbial dysbiosis and reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in the hypoganglionic gut. FMT increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium, SCFA production, and improved outcomes following ENCC transplantation. SCFAs alone stimulated ENCC proliferation, migration, and supported ENCC transplantation. Transcriptome-wide mRNA sequencing identified MAPK signaling as the top differentially regulated pathway in response to SCFA exposure, and inhibition of MEK1/2 signaling abrogated the SCFA-mediated effects on ENCC. This study demonstrates that FMT improves cell therapy for hypoganglionosis via short-chain fatty acid metabolism-induced MEK1/2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghao Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of EducationXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wenyao Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of EducationXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Baijun Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wanying Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of EducationXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Malgorzata A Garstka
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of EducationXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu W, Yu H, Chen D, Pan W, Yang W, Miao J, Jia W, Zheng B, Liu Y, Chen X, Gao Y, Tian D. Identifying the potential transcriptional regulatory network in Hirschsprung disease by integrated analysis of microarray datasets. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2023; 6:e000547. [PMID: 37082700 PMCID: PMC10111925 DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2022-000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is one of the common neurocristopathies in children, which is associated with at least 20 genes and involves a complex regulatory mechanism. Transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) has been commonly reported in regulating gene expression and enteric nervous system development but remains to be investigated in HSCR. This study aimed to identify the potential TRN implicated in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of HSCR. Methods Based on three microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the multiMiR package was used to investigate the microRNA (miRNA)-target interactions, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Then, we collected transcription factors (TFs) from the TransmiR database to construct the TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and used cytoHubba to identify the key modules. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was determined and the integrated diagnostic models were established based on machine learning by the support vector machine method. Results We identified 58 hub differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMis) and 16 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs). The robust target genes of DEMis and DEMs mainly enriched in several GO/KEGG terms, including neurogenesis, cell-substrate adhesion, PI3K-Akt, Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase and Rho/ROCK signaling. Moreover, 2 TFs (TP53 and TWIST1), 4 miRNAs (has-miR-107, has-miR-10b-5p, has-miR-659-3p, and has-miR-371a-5p), and 4 mRNAs (PIM3, CHUK, F2RL1, and CA1) were identified to construct the TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. ROC analysis revealed a strong diagnostic value of the key TRN regulons (all area under the curve values were more than 0.8). Conclusion This study suggests a potential role of the TF-miRNA-mRNA network that can help enrich the connotation of HSCR pathogenesis and diagnosis and provide new horizons for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyao Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dian Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Miao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanying Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baijun Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Donghao Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Neurobiology, Environment and Genes Related to Diseases Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shi CJ, Lian JJ, Zhang BW, Cha JX, Hua QH, Pi XP, Hou YJ, Xie X, Zhang R. TGFβR-1/ALK5 inhibitor RepSox induces enteric glia-to-neuron transition and influences gastrointestinal mobility in adult mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:92-104. [PMID: 35794374 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoting adult neurogenesis in the enteric nervous system (ENS) may be a potential therapeutic approach to cure enteric neuropathies. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are the most abundant glial cells in the ENS. Accumulating evidence suggests that EGCs can be a complementary source to supply new neurons during adult neurogenesis in the ENS. In the brain, astrocytes have been intensively studied for their neuronal conversion properties, and small molecules have been successfully used to induce the astrocyte-to-neuron transition. However, research on glia-to-neuron conversion in the ENS is still lacking. In this study, we used GFAP-Cre:Rosa-tdTomato mice to trace glia-to-neuron transdifferentiation in the ENS in vivo and in vitro. We showed that GFAP promoter-driven tdTomato exclusively labelled EGCs and was a suitable marker to trace EGCs and their progeny cells in the ENS of adult mice. Interestingly, we discovered that RepSox or other ALK5 inhibitors alone induced efficient transdifferentiation of EGCs into neurons in vitro. Knockdown of ALK5 further confirmed that the TGFβR-1/ALK5 signalling pathway played an essential role in the transition of EGCs to neurons. RepSox-induced neurons were Calbindin- and nNOS-positive and displayed typical neuronal electrophysiological properties. Finally, we showed that administration of RepSox (3, 10 mg· kg-1 ·d-1, i.g.) for 2 weeks significantly promoted the conversion of EGCs to neurons in the ENS and influenced gastrointestinal motility in adult mice. This study provides a method for efficiently converting adult mouse EGCs into neurons by small-molecule compounds, which might be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastrointestinal neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jie Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jun-Jiang Lian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jia-Xue Cha
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Hua
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Pi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Jun Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xin Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Erhardt S, Wang J. Cardiac Neural Crest and Cardiac Regeneration. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010111. [PMID: 36611905 PMCID: PMC9818523 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a vertebrate-specific, multipotent stem cell population that have the ability to migrate and differentiate into various cell populations throughout the embryo during embryogenesis. The heart is a muscular and complex organ whose primary function is to pump blood and nutrients throughout the body. Mammalian hearts, such as those of humans, lose their regenerative ability shortly after birth. However, a few vertebrate species, such as zebrafish, have the ability to self-repair/regenerate after cardiac damage. Recent research has discovered the potential functional ability and contribution of cardiac NCCs to cardiac regeneration through the use of various vertebrate species and pluripotent stem cell-derived NCCs. Here, we review the neural crest's regenerative capacity in various tissues and organs, and in particular, we summarize the characteristics of cardiac NCCs between species and their roles in cardiac regeneration. We further discuss emerging and future work to determine the potential contributions of NCCs for disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Erhardt
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Embryology and anatomy of Hirschsprung disease. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151227. [PMID: 36417785 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bowel has its own elegant nervous system - the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is a complex network of neurons and glial clones. Derived from neural crest cells (NCCs), this little brain controls muscle contraction, motility, and bowel activities in response to stimuli. Failure of developing enteric ganglia at the distal bowel results in intestinal obstruction and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). This Review summarises the important embryological development of the ENS including proliferation, migration, and differentiation of NCCs. We address the signalling pathways which determine NCC cell fate and discuss how they are altered in the context of HSCR. Finally, we outline the anatomical defects and the mechanisms underlying gut motility in HSCR.
Collapse
|
33
|
Nerves in gastrointestinal cancer: from mechanism to modulations. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:768-784. [PMID: 36056202 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of gastrointestinal health is challenging as it requires balancing multifaceted processes within the highly complex and dynamic ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. Disturbances within this vibrant environment can have detrimental consequences, including the onset of gastrointestinal cancers. Globally, gastrointestinal cancers account for ~19% of all cancer cases and ~22.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Developing new ways to more readily detect and more efficiently target these malignancies are urgently needed. Whereas members of the tumour microenvironment, such as immune cells and fibroblasts, have already been in the spotlight as key players of cancer initiation and progression, the importance of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancers has only been highlighted in the past few years. Although extrinsic innervations modulate gastrointestinal cancers, cells and signals from the gut's intrinsic innervation also have the ability to do so. Here, we shed light on this thriving field and discuss neural influences during gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. We focus on the interactions between neurons and components of the gastrointestinal tract and tumour microenvironment, on the neural signalling pathways involved, and how these factors affect the cancer hallmarks, and discuss the neural signatures in gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, we highlight neural-related therapies that have potential for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
Collapse
|
34
|
Yip JLK, Balasuriya GK, Spencer SJ, Hill-Yardin EL. Examining enteric nervous system function in rat and mouse: an interspecies comparison of colonic motility. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G477-G487. [PMID: 36126271 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00175.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility is crucial to gut health and has been associated with different disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases and postoperative ileus. Despite rat and mouse being the two animal models most widely used in gastrointestinal research, minimal studies in rats have investigated gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, our study provides a comparison of colonic motility in the mouse and rat to clarify species differences and assess the relative effectiveness of each animal model for colonic motility research. We describe the protocol modifications and optimization undertaken to enable video imaging of colonic motility in the rat. Apart from the broad difference in terms of gastrointestinal diameter and length, we identified differences in the fundamental histology of the proximal colon such that the rat had larger villus height-to-width and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios compared with mouse. Since gut motility is tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), we investigated how colonic contractile activity within each rodent species responds to modulation of the ENS inhibitory neuronal network. Here we used Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to assess proximal colon responses to the stimulatory effect of blocking the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO). In rats, the frequency of proximal colonic contractions increased in the presence of l-NNA (vs. control levels) to a greater extent than in mice. This is despite a similar number of NOS-expressing neurons in the myenteric plexus across species. Given this increase in colonic contraction frequency, the rat represents another relevant animal model for investigating how gastrointestinal motility is regulated by the inhibitory neuronal network of the ENS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice and rats are widely used in gastrointestinal research but have fundamental differences that make them important as different models for different questions. We found that mice have a higher villi length-to-width and villi length-to-crypt depth ratio than rat in proximal colon. Using the ex vivo video imaging technique, we observed that rat colon has more prominent response to blockade of major inhibitory neurotransmitter (nitric oxide) in myenteric plexus than mouse colon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson L K Yip
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri K Balasuriya
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Baker PA, Ibarra-García-Padilla R, Venkatesh A, Singleton EW, Uribe RA. In toto imaging of early enteric nervous system development reveals that gut colonization is tied to proliferation downstream of Ret. Development 2022; 149:278609. [PMID: 36300492 PMCID: PMC9686996 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system is a vast intrinsic network of neurons and glia within the gastrointestinal tract and is largely derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) that emigrate into the gut during vertebrate embryonic development. Study of ENCC migration dynamics and their genetic regulators provides great insights into fundamentals of collective cell migration and nervous system formation, and these are pertinent subjects for study due to their relevance to the human congenital disease Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). For the first time, we performed in toto gut imaging and single-cell generation tracing of ENCC migration in wild type and a novel ret heterozygous background zebrafish (retwmr1/+) to gain insight into ENCC dynamics in vivo. We observed that retwmr1/+ zebrafish produced fewer ENCCs localized along the gut, and these ENCCs failed to reach the hindgut, resulting in HSCR-like phenotypes. Specifically, we observed a proliferation-dependent migration mechanism, where cell divisions were associated with inter-cell distances and migration speed. Lastly, we detected a premature neuronal differentiation gene expression signature in retwmr1/+ ENCCs. These results suggest that Ret signaling may regulate maintenance of a stem state in ENCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A. Baker
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA,Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Rodrigo Ibarra-García-Padilla
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA,Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | | | | | - Rosa. A. Uribe
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA,Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA,Author for correspondence ()
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Di SJ, Wu SY, Liu TJ, Shi YY. Stem cell therapy as a promising strategy in necrotizing enterocolitis. Mol Med 2022; 28:107. [PMID: 36068527 PMCID: PMC9450300 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal disease that affects newborns, particularly preterm infants, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. No effective therapeutic strategies to decrease the incidence and severity of NEC have been developed to date. Stem cell therapy has been explored and even applied in various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders. Animal studies on stem cell therapy have made great progress, and the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and intestinal barrier enhancing effects of stem cells may be protective against NEC clinically. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic mechanisms through which stem cells may function in the treatment of NEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Di
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Si-Yuan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Tian-Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yong-Yan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Feng G, Sun Y. The Polycomb group gene rnf2 is essential for central and enteric neural system development in zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:960149. [PMID: 36117635 PMCID: PMC9475114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.960149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS) is under precise and strict control in vertebrates. Whether and how the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is involved in it remain unclear. To investigate the role of PRC1 in the nervous system development, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have generated mutant zebrafish lines for the rnf2 gene which encodes Ring1b, the enzymatic component of the PRC1 complex. We show that rnf2 loss of function leads to abnormal migration and differentiation of neural crest and neural precursor cells. rnf2 mutant embryos exhibit aganglionosis, in which the hindgut is devoid of neurons. In particular, the formation of 5-HT serotonin neurons and myelinating glial cells is defective. Furthermore, ectopic expression of ENS marker genes is observed in forebrain of rnf2 mutant embryos. These findings suggest that the rnf2 gene plays an important role in the migration and differentiation of neural precursor cells, and its absence leads to abnormal development of ENS and CNS in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Feng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Feng,
| | - Yuhua Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Yuhua Sun,
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lin Y, Wu D, Shen Y, He Y, Ye J. Comparison of Outcomes between Two Surgical Techniques for Patients with Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9165651. [PMID: 35910855 PMCID: PMC9334036 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9165651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital intestinal disease with a prevalence of 1/5000. HSCR remains one of the most severe congenital malformations of the abdominal organs in children that require complex reconstructive surgery. This study is aimed at investigating the clinical analysis of ileal Santulli stoma and ileal double-lumen stoma in children diagnosed with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND). Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on the children who were admitted to our hospital for intestinal obstruction from January 2014 to January 2019, underwent fistula operation and fistula closure operation, and were diagnosed with IND. According to the different modes of fistula, the children were divided into ileal Santulli stoma group and ileal double-lumen stoma group. The body weight of the children in the two groups during the second stage of fistula closure operation was compared. The number of hospitalizations due to enteritis and dehydration during the two operations was compared. Results A total of 23 cases (12 males and 11 females) were included in this study, including 10 cases in the Santulli group and 13 cases in the ileal double-lumen stoma group. There were no significant differences in baseline data and fistula location between the two groups. Compared with the ileal double-lumen stoma group, the Santulli stoma group had significantly higher weight of fistula precursor (P < 0.05), the interval between two operations was shorter (P < 0.05), there is less hospitalization for enteritis and dehydration during the two operations (P < 0.05), and there is less economic cost after fistula (P < 0.05). Conclusion The clinical effect of ileum Santulli fistula is significantly better than double-lumen ileum fistula, which is not only beneficial to the growth and development of children after the first fistula but also can shorten the time of fistula closure, reduce the incidence of dehydration, and reduce the economic burden of family members. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lin
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000 Fujian, China
| | - Dianming Wu
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000 Fujian, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000 Fujian, China
| | - Yuanbin He
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000 Fujian, China
| | - Jianxin Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2 Section, The First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350000 Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu Z, Wang J, Xu Q, Wu Z, You L, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates prenatal valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 91:155-165. [PMID: 35594946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is reported to induce ASD in human and ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear. METHODS Pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA on E12.5 to construct the ASD rat model in offspring. The different expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA profiles in the hippocampus were determined by RNA sequencing to investigate potential mechanisms of VPA-induced ASD. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the function of dysregulated lncRNAs. Co-expression network and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were conducted to validate the potential regulatory lncRNA-mRNA network. RESULTS VPA increased the total distance, time spent in the central zone and self-grooming (open field test) in rats. Meanwhile, VPA induced social impairment (three-chamber sociability test) and repetitive behaviors (marble burying test). A total of 238 lncRNAs and 354 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the VPA group. In addition, the dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in neural function and developmental processes of ASD. 5 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were differently expressed and included in the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of 4 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs, and identified a potential regulatory network of NONRATT021475.2 (lncRNA) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Moreover, VPA decreased the serum vitamin A (VA) levels in offspring rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 and 49. Importantly, VA supplementation significantly restored VPA-induced autism-related behaviors and upregulation of NONRATT021475.2 and Dhh in the hippocampus of ASD rats. CONCLUSION This study not only contributed to understand the importance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the progression of ASD, but also identified VA as a potential therapy for the condition. DATA AVAILABILITY The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author with reasonable request.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Liu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Qu Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Wu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Lianghui You
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China.
| | - Xia Chi
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang Y, Xu X, Lin L. Prucalopride might improve intestinal motility by promoting the regeneration of the enteric nervous system in diabetic rats. Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:87. [PMID: 35543167 PMCID: PMC9162040 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate whether prucalopride, as a 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist, improved intestinal motility by promoting the regeneration of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). A rat model of DM was established using an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of 6 rats/group: Control, DM (DM model), DM + A (5 µg/kg prucalopride) and DM + B (10 µg/kg prucalopride). The rats in the Control group were given an equal volume of citric acid solvent. After successful model establishment, high blood glucose levels were maintained for 2 weeks before administration of prucalopride. The colonic transit time was measured using the glass bead discharge method. It was revealed that the colonic transit time of diabetic rats was the longest, and this was significantly shortened in the DM + B group. Subsequently, the colons were collected. The expression levels of Nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), SOX10, RNA-binding protein human antigen D (HuD) and ubiquitin thiolesterase (PGP9.5) were determined via immunohistochemical analysis. Immunofluorescence double staining of 5-HT4 + Nestin and Ki67 + Nestin was performed. The 5-HT level was measured using ELISA. Compared with that in the control group, Nestin expression was significantly increased in the DM and DM + A groups, and it was concentrated in columnar epithelial cells and the mesenchyme. Furthermore, the expression levels of Nestin in the DM + A group were higher than those in the DM group. No difference was observed in the expression levels of Nestin between the DM + B group and the Control group. The expression levels of 5-HT protein were highest in the Control group; however, the expression levels of 5-HT protein in the DM group, DM + A group and DM + B group exhibited an increasing trend. Similar trends in the expression of 5-HT4 and Nestin were not observed; however, similar trends in the expression of Nestin and Ki67 were observed. The expression levels of GFAP, SOX10, PGP9.5 and Ki67 in the DM + A and DM + B groups were higher compared with those in the DM group. In the DM + A group, HuD expression was decreased compared with that in the Control group but it was markedly higher compared with that in the DM group. In conclusion, prucalopride may improve intestinal motility by promoting ENS regeneration in rats with DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Disease, Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, P.R. China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mercau ME, Patwa S, Bhat KPL, Ghosh S, Rothlin CV. Cell death in development, maintenance, and diseases of the nervous system. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:725-738. [PMID: 35508671 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell death, be it of neurons or glial cells, marks the development of the nervous system. Albeit relatively less so than in tissues such as the gut, cell death is also a feature of nervous system homeostasis-especially in context of adult neurogenesis. Finally, cell death is commonplace in acute brain injuries, chronic neurodegenerative diseases, and in some central nervous system tumors such as glioblastoma. Recent studies are enumerating the various molecular modalities involved in the execution of cells. Intimately linked with cell death are mechanisms of disposal that remove the dead cell and bring about a tissue-level response. Heretofore, the association between these methods of dying and physiological or pathological responses has remained nebulous. It is envisioned that careful cartography of death and disposal may reveal novel understandings of disease states and chart new therapeutic strategies in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Mercau
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Siraj Patwa
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krishna P L Bhat
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology-Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carla V Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Regan JL, Schumacher D, Staudte S, Steffen A, Lesche R, Toedling J, Jourdan T, Haybaeck J, Golob-Schwarzl N, Mumberg D, Henderson D, Győrffy B, Regenbrecht CR, Keilholz U, Schäfer R, Lange M. Identification of a Neural Development Gene Expression Signature in Colon Cancer Stem Cells Reveals a Role for EGR2 in Tumorigenesis. iScience 2022; 25:104498. [PMID: 35720265 PMCID: PMC9204726 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates that colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) can generate neurons that synapse with tumor innervating fibers required for tumorigenesis and disease progression. Greater understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CSC driven tumor neurogenesis may therefore lead to more effective treatments. RNA-sequencing analyses of ALDHPositive CSCs from colon cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and xenografts (PDXs) showed CSCs to be enriched for neural development genes. Functional analyses of genes differentially expressed in CSCs from PDO and PDX models demonstrated the neural crest stem cell (NCSC) regulator EGR2 to be required for tumor growth and to control expression of homebox superfamily embryonic master transcriptional regulator HOX genes and the neural stem cell and master cell fate regulator SOX2. These data support CSCs as the source of tumor neurogenesis and suggest that targeting EGR2 may provide a therapeutic differentiation strategy to eliminate CSCs and block nervous system driven disease progression. Colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) are enriched for nervous system development genes Colon cancer cells express nerve cell markers EGR2 is required for CSC survival and tumor growth and regulates SOX2 and HOX genes Targeting EGR2 may block cancer neurogenesis and stop disease progression
Collapse
|
43
|
Liu C, Yang J. Enteric Glial Cells in Immunological Disorders of the Gut. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:895871. [PMID: 35573829 PMCID: PMC9095930 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.895871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are one of the major cell types of neural crest lineage distributed in the gastrointestinal tract. EGCs represent an integral part of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and significantly outnumber ENS neurons. Studies have suggested that EGCs would exert essential roles in supporting the survival and functions of the ENS neurons. Notably, recent evidence has begun to reveal that EGCs could possess multiple immune functions and thereby may participate in the immune homeostasis of the gut. In this review article, we will summarize the current evidence supporting the potential involvement of EGCs in several important immunological disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune enteropathy. Further, we highlight critical questions on the immunological aspects of EGCs that warrant future research attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Yang
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Geng ZH, Zhu Y, Li QL, Zhao C, Zhou PH. Enteric Nervous System: The Bridge Between the Gut Microbiota and Neurological Disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:810483. [PMID: 35517052 PMCID: PMC9063565 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.810483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays an essential role in food digestion, absorption, and the mucosal immune system; it is also inhabited by a huge range of microbes. The GI tract is densely innervated by a network of 200–600 million neurons that comprise the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system cooperates with intestinal microbes, the intestinal immune system, and endocrine systems; it forms a complex network that is required to maintain a stable intestinal microenvironment. Understanding how gut microbes influence the ENS and central nervous system (CNS) has been a significant research subject over the past decade. Moreover, accumulating evidence from animal and clinical studies has revealed that gut microbiota play important roles in various neurological diseases. However, the causal relationship between microbial changes and neurological disorders currently remains unproven. This review aims to summarize the possible contributions of GI microbiota to the ENS and CNS. It also provides new insights into furthering our current understanding of neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Han Geng
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan-Lin Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Quan-Lin Li,
| | - Chao Zhao
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Chao Zhao,
| | - Ping-Hong Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
- Ping-Hong Zhou,
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Morphology and Chemical Coding of Rat Duodenal Enteric Neurons following Prenatal Exposure to Fumonisins. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091055. [PMID: 35565482 PMCID: PMC9099666 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fumonisins (FBs), including fumonisin B1 and B2 produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, are widespread mycotoxins contaminating crop plants as well as processed food. The aim of the experiment was to determine whether the exposure of 5-week-old pregnant rats to FBs at 60 mg/kg b.w. (group FB60) or 90 mg/kg b.w. (group FB90) results in morphological changes in the duodenum of weaned offspring, particularly the enteric nervous system (ENS). In addition, the levels of expression of galanin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the ENS were analysed by immunofluorescence in the control and experimental groups of animals. No significant morphological changes in the thickness of the muscle layer or submucosa of the duodenum were noted in group FB60 or FB90. In group FB90 (but not FB60), there was a significant increase in the width of the villi and in the density of the intestinal crypts. Immunofluorescence analysis using neuronal marker Hu C/D showed no significant changes in group FB60 or FB90 in the morphology of the duodenal ENS, i.e., the myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal plexus (SP), in terms of the density of enteric ganglia in the MP and SP, surface area of MP and SP ganglia, length and width of MP and SP ganglia, surface area of myenteric and submucosal neurons, diameter of myenteric and submucosal neurons, density of myenteric and submucosal neurons, and number of myenteric and submucosal neurons per ganglion. In both groups, there was an increase (relative to the control) in the percentage of Hu C/D-IR/VIP-IR (IR-immunoreactive) and Hu C/D-IR/galanin-IR myenteric and submucosal neurons in the ganglia of both the MP and SP of the duodenum. In addition, in groups FB60 and FB90, there was an increase in the number of nerve fibres showing expression of VIP and galanin in the mucosa, submucosa and circular muscle layer of the duodenum. The results indicate that prenatal exposure to FBs does not significantly alter the histological structure of the duodenum (including the ENS) in the weaned offspring. The changes observed in the chemical code of the myenteric and submucosal neurons in both experimental groups suggest harmful activity of FBs, which may translate into activation of repair mechanisms via overexpression of neuroprotective neuropeptides (VIP and galanin).
Collapse
|
46
|
Mueller JL, Goldstein AM. The science of Hirschsprung disease: What we know and where we are headed. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151157. [PMID: 35690468 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a rich network of neurons and glial cells that comprise the gastrointestinal tract's intrinsic nervous system and are responsible for controlling numerous complex functions, including digestion, transit, secretion, barrier function, and maintenance of a healthy microbiome. Development of a functional ENS relies on the coordinated interaction between enteric neural crest-derived cells and their environment as the neural crest-derived cells migrate rostrocaudally along the embryonic gut mesenchyme. Congenital or acquired disruption of ENS development leads to various neurointestinal diseases. Hirschsprung disease is a congenital neurocristopathy, a disease of the neural crest. It is characterized by a variable length of distal colonic aganglionosis due to a failure in enteric neural crest-derived cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and/or survival. In this review, we will review the science of Hirschsprung disease, targeting an audience of pediatric surgeons. We will discuss the basic biology of normal ENS development, as well as what goes awry in ENS development in Hirschsprung disease. We will review animal models that have been integral to studying this disease, as well as current hot topics and future research, including genetic risk profiling, stem cell therapy, non-invasive diagnostic techniques, single-cell sequencing techniques, and genotype-phenotype correlation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St., WRN 1151, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St., WRN 1151, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhou WK, Qu Y, Liu YM, Gao MJ, Tang CY, Huang L, Du Q, Yin J. The abnormal phosphorylation of the Rac1, Lim-kinase 1, and Cofilin proteins in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease. Bioengineered 2022; 13:8548-8557. [PMID: 35322726 PMCID: PMC9161833 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2051882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1 can affect the migration of neural crest cells by regulating the polymerization of actin and the membrane formation process. But the role of the Rac1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) remains unclear. In order to investigate the mechanism of the abnormal protein phosphorylation of Rac1, Lim-kinase 1 (Limk1) and Cofilin involved in the pathogenesis of HSCR. The protein phosphorylation levels of these proteins were detected by Western blot in 30 samples of HSCR narrow segment, 30 samples of transitional segment tissues, and 14 samples of normal intestinal tissues. Subsequently, in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line, a Rac1, Limk1, and Cofilin inhibitor group, a Rac1 overexpression group (PDGF-BB group), a Rac1 overexpression group + a Limk1 inhibitor group (P-B group), a Rac1 overexpression group + a Cofilin inhibitor group (P-C group) were established. The results showed that the expressions of p-Rac1, p-Limk1, and p-Cofilin in HSCR narrow segment and transitional segment were lower than those in normal intestine (p < 0.05). The expression levels of p-Rac1, p-Limk1, and p-Cofilin in the relative inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the proliferation and migration levels in the control group and Rac1 overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the Rac1, Limk1, and Cofilin inhibitor group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the decreased phosphorylation of the Rac1/Limk1/Cofilin signaling pathway in HSCR could inhibit the proliferation and migration of SH-SY5Y cells, and this might be associated with the pathogenesis of HSCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Kang Zhou
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuan-Mei Liu
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ming-Juan Gao
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Cheng-Yan Tang
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qing Du
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic & Urological Surgery II Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Vidal B, Gulez B, Cao WX, Leyva-Diaz E, Reilly MB, Tekieli T, Hobert O. The enteric nervous system of the C. elegans pharynx is specified by the Sine oculis-like homeobox gene ceh-34. eLife 2022; 11:76003. [PMID: 35324425 PMCID: PMC8989417 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Overarching themes in the terminal differentiation of the enteric nervous system, an autonomously acting unit of animal nervous systems, have so far eluded discovery. We describe here the overall regulatory logic of enteric nervous system differentiation of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that resides within the foregut (pharynx) of the worm. A C. elegans homolog of the Drosophila Sine oculis homeobox gene, ceh-34, is expressed in all 14 classes of interconnected pharyngeal neurons from their birth throughout their life time, but in no other neuron type of the entire animal. Constitutive and temporally controlled ceh-34 removal shows that ceh-34 is required to initiate and maintain the neuron type-specific terminal differentiation program of all pharyngeal neuron classes, including their circuit assembly. Through additional genetic loss of function analysis, we show that within each pharyngeal neuron class, ceh-34 cooperates with different homeodomain transcription factors to individuate distinct pharyngeal neuron classes. Our analysis underscores the critical role of homeobox genes in neuronal identity specification and links them to the control of neuronal circuit assembly of the enteric nervous system. Together with the pharyngeal nervous system simplicity as well as its specification by a Sine oculis homolog, our findings invite speculations about the early evolution of nervous systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berta Vidal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Burcu Gulez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Wen Xi Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Eduardo Leyva-Diaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Molly B Reilly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Tessa Tekieli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Honeycutt SE, N'Guetta PEY, O'Brien LL. Innervation in organogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 148:195-235. [PMID: 35461566 PMCID: PMC10636594 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Proper innervation of peripheral organs helps to maintain physiological homeostasis and elicit responses to external stimuli. Disruptions to normal function can result in pathophysiological consequences. The establishment of connections and communication between the central nervous system and the peripheral organs is accomplished through the peripheral nervous system. Neuronal connections with target tissues arise from ganglia partitioned throughout the body. Organ innervation is initiated during development with stimuli being conducted through several types of neurons including sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory. While the physiological modulation of mature organs by these nerves is largely understood, their role in mammalian development is only beginning to be uncovered. Interactions with cells in target tissues can affect the development and eventual function of several organs, highlighting their significance. This chapter will cover the origin of peripheral neurons, factors mediating organ innervation, and the composition and function of organ-specific nerves during development. This emerging field aims to identify the functional contribution of innervation to development which will inform future investigations of normal and abnormal mammalian organogenesis, as well as contribute to regenerative and organ replacement efforts where nerve-derived signals may have significant implications for the advancement of such studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E Honeycutt
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Y N'Guetta
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lori L O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Howard AGA, Nguyen AC, Tworig J, Ravisankar P, Singleton EW, Li C, Kotzur G, Waxman JS, Uribe RA. Elevated Hoxb5b Expands Vagal Neural Crest Pool and Blocks Enteric Neuronal Development in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803370. [PMID: 35174164 PMCID: PMC8841348 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a migratory, transient, and multipotent stem cell population essential to vertebrate embryonic development, contributing to numerous cell lineages in the adult organism. While great strides have been made in elucidating molecular and cellular events that drive NCC specification, comprehensive knowledge of the genetic factors that orchestrate NCC developmental programs is still far from complete. We discovered that elevated Hoxb5b levels promoted an expansion of zebrafish NCCs, which persisted throughout multiple stages of development. Correspondingly, elevated Hoxb5b also specifically expanded expression domains of the vagal NCC markers foxd3 and phox2bb. Increases in NCCs were most apparent after pulsed ectopic Hoxb5b expression at early developmental stages, rather than later during differentiation stages, as determined using a novel transgenic zebrafish line. The increase in vagal NCCs early in development led to supernumerary Phox2b+ enteric neural progenitors, while leaving many other NCC-derived tissues without an overt phenotype. Surprisingly, these NCC-derived enteric progenitors failed to expand properly into sufficient quantities of enterically fated neurons and stalled in the gut tissue. These results suggest that while Hoxb5b participates in vagal NCC development as a driver of progenitor expansion, the supernumerary, ectopically localized NCC fail to initiate expansion programs in timely fashion in the gut. All together, these data point to a model in which Hoxb5b regulates NCCs both in a tissue specific and temporally restricted manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron C. Nguyen
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joshua Tworig
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Priya Ravisankar
- Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Division, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Allen Institute of Immunology, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Can Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Grayson Kotzur
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joshua S. Waxman
- Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Division, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Rosa A. Uribe,
| |
Collapse
|