Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha is required for expression but dispensable for histone acetylation of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene in vivo

Functional significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the lactase gene in diverse US patients and evidence for a novel lactase persistence allele at -13909 in those of European ancestry

OBJECTIVES

Recent data from mainly homogeneous European and African populations implicate a 140-bp region 5' to the transcriptional start site of LCT (the lactase gene) as a regulatory site for lactase persistence and nonpersistence. Because there are no studies of US nonhomogeneous populations, we performed genotype/phenotype analysis of the -13910 and -22018 LCT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in New England children, mostly of European ancestry.

METHODS

Duodenal biopsies were processed for disaccharidase activities, RNA quantification by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), allelic expression ratios by PCR, and genotyping and SNP analysis. Results were compared with clinical information.

RESULTS

Lactase activity and mRNA levels, and sucrase-to-lactase ratios of enzyme activity and mRNA, showed robust correlations with genotype. None of the other LCT SNPs showed as strong a correlation with enzyme or mRNA levels as did -13910. Data were consistent, with the -13910 being the causal sequence variant instead of -22018. Four individuals heterozygous for -13910T/C had allelic expression patterns similar to individuals with -13910C/C genotypes; of these, 2 showed equal LCT expression from the 2 alleles and a novel variant (-13909C>A) associated with lactase persistence.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of -13910C/C genotype is likely to predict lactase nonpersistence, consistent with prior published studies. A -13910T/T genotype will frequently, but not perfectly, predict lactase persistence in this mixed European-ancestry population; a -13910T/C genotype will not predict the phenotype. A long, rare haplotype in 2 individuals with -13910T/C genotype but equal allele-specific expression contains a novel lactase persistence allele present at -13909.

Role of GATA factors in development, differentiation, and homeostasis of the small intestinal epithelium

The small intestinal epithelium develops from embryonic endoderm into a highly specialized layer of cells perfectly suited for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The development, differentiation, and regeneration of the small intestinal epithelium require complex gene regulatory networks involving multiple context-specific transcription factors. The evolutionarily conserved GATA family of transcription factors, well known for its role in hematopoiesis, is essential for the development of endoderm during embryogenesis and the renewal of the differentiated epithelium in the mature gut. We review the role of GATA factors in the evolution and development of endoderm and summarize our current understanding of the function of GATA factors in the mature small intestine. We offer perspective on the application of epigenetics approaches to define the mechanisms underlying context-specific GATA gene regulation during intestinal development.

Jejunal induction of SI and SGLT1 genes in rats by high-starch/low-fat diet is associated with histone acetylation and binding of GCN5 on the genes

The intestinal expression of genes involved in carbohydrate digestion and absorption, such as sucrase-isomaltase (SI) and sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter (SGLT1), is higher in rodents fed a high-starch/low-fat (HS) diet than in those fed a low-starch/high-fat (LS) diet. In the present study, we investigated whether the HS diet-induced induction of SI and SGLT1 in the rat jejunum is coordinately regulated by nuclear transcription factors, histone acetylation, or histone acetyltransferases. HS diet intake induced jejunal expression of a histone acetyltransferase, general control of amino acid synthesis (GCN5), concurrently with the SI and SGLT1 genes; however, gene expression of nuclear transcription factors such as hepatocyte nuclear factor-1, caudal type homeobox-2, and GATA-binding protein-4 was unaffected by the HS diet. Acetylation of histones H3/H4 and binding of acetyltransferase GCN5 on the promoter/enhancer and transcribed regions of SI and SGLT1 genes were significantly higher in HS diet-fed rats than in LS diet-fed rats, but transcription factor binding was not affected by the HS diet. Our results suggest that the concomitant induction of SI and SGLT1 genes in the jejunum by the HS diet is closely associated with the binding of GCN5 and acetylation of histones H3/H4 on these genes.

Molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as the metaplastic conversion of esophageal squamous epithelium to intestinalized columnar epithelium. As a premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), BE develops as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many studies have been conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms of this disease. This review summarizes recent results involving squamous and intestinal transcription factors, signaling pathways, stromal factors, microRNAs, and other factors in the development of BE. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide future studies. We expect elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of BE to help in the development of improved management of GERD, BE, and EAC.

Diet-induced epigenetic regulation in vivo of the intestinal fructose transporter Glut5 during development of rat small intestine

Metabolic complications arising from excessive fructose consumption are increasing dramatically even in young children, but little is known about ontogenetic mechanisms regulating Glut5 [glucose transporter 5; encoded by the Slc2a5 (solute carrier family 2 member 5) gene]. Glut5 expression is low postnatally and does not increase, unless luminal fructose and systemic glucocorticoids are present, until ≥ 14 days of age, suggesting substrate-inducible age- and hormone-sensitive regulation. In the present study, we perfused intestines of 10- and 20-day-old rats with either fructose or glucose then analysed the binding of Pol II (RNA polymerase II) and GR (glucocorticoid receptor), as well as acetylation of histones H3 and H4 by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Abundance of Glut5 mRNA increased only with fructose perfusion and age, a pattern that matched that of Pol II binding and histone H3 acetylation to the Glut5 promoter. Although many regions of the Glut5 promoter respond to developmental signals, fewer regions perceive dietary signals. Age- but not fructose-dependent expression of Sglt1 [sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 1 encoded by the Slc5a1(solute carrier family 5 member 1) gene] also correlated with Pol II binding and histone H3 acetylation. In contrast, G6Pase (glucose-6-phosphatase; encoded by the G6pc gene) expression, which decreases with age and increases with fructose, is associated only with age-dependent changes in histone H4 acetylation. Induction of Glut5 during ontogenetic development appears to be specifically mediated by GR translocation to the nucleus and subsequent binding to the Glut5 promoter, whereas the glucocorticoid-independent regulation of Sglt1 by age was not associated with any GR binding to the Sglt1 promoter.

Characterization of expression in mice of a transgene containing 3.3 kb of the human lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) 5' flanking sequence

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The regulation of human intestinal lactase-phlorizin hydrolase remains incompletely understood. One kb of pig and 2 kb of rat 5'-flanking sequence controls correct tissue, cell, topographic, and villus LCT expression. To gain insight into human LCT expression, transgenic mouse lines were generated from 3.3 kb of human LPH 5' flanking sequence from a lactase persistent individual fused to a human growth hormone (hGH) reporter bounded by an insulator.

METHODS

Four lines were identified in which reporter expression was specifically detectable in the intestine and no other organ, two of which demonstrated hGH expression specific to small and large intestine. Quantitative RT-PCR was carried out on proximal to distal segments of small intestine at fetal days 16.5 and 18.5 and at birth, postnatal days 7 and 28 in line 22.

RESULTS

In fetal intestine, hGH expression demonstrated a proximal to distal gradient similar to that in native intestine. There was no significant difference between hGH expression levels at 7 and 28 days in segment 3, the midpoint of the small intestine, where expression of endogenous lactase is maximal at 7 days and declines significantly by 28 days. Distal small intestine displayed high levels of hGH expression in enteroendocrine cells, which were shown to be a subset of the PYY cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, a 3.3-kb LPH 5' flanking sequence construct from a lactase persistent individual is able to maintain postnatal expression in transgenic mice post weaning.

Loss of hepatocyte-nuclear-factor-1alpha impacts on adult mouse intestinal epithelial cell growth and cell lineages differentiation

Background and Aims

Although Hnf1α is crucial for pancreas and liver functions, it is believed to play a limited functional role for intestinal epithelial functions. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of abrogating Hnf1α on the maintenance of adult small intestinal epithelial functions.

Methodology/Principal Findings

An Hnf1α knockout mouse model was used. Assessment of histological abnormalities, crypt epithelial cell proliferation, epithelial barrier, glucose transport and signalling pathways were measured in these animals. Changes in global gene expression were also analyzed. Mice lacking Hnf1α displayed increased crypt proliferation and intestinalomegaly as well as a disturbance of intestinal epithelial cell lineages production during adult life. This phenotype was associated with a decrease of the mucosal barrier function and lumen-to-blood glucose delivery. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway was found to be overly activated in the small intestine of adult Hnf1α mutant mice. The intestinal epithelium of Hnf1α null mice displayed a reduction of the enteroendocrine cell population. An impact was also observed on proper Paneth cell differentiation with abnormalities in the granule exocytosis pathway.

Conclusions/Significance

Together, these results unravel a functional role for Hnf1α in regulating adult intestinal growth and sustaining the functions of intestinal epithelial cell lineages.

Cooperation between HNF-1alpha, Cdx2, and GATA-4 in initiating an enterocytic differentiation program in a normal human intestinal epithelial progenitor cell line

In the intestinal epithelium, the Cdx, GATA, and HNF transcription factor families are responsible for the expression of differentiation markers such as sucrase-isomaltase. Although previous studies have shown that Cdx2 can induce differentiation in rat intestinal IEC-6 cells, no data are available concerning the direct implication of transcription factors on differentiation in human normal intestinal epithelial cell types. We investigated the role of Cdx2, GATA-4, and HNF-1alpha using the undifferentiated human intestinal epithelial crypt cell line HIEC. These transcription factors were tested on proliferation and expression of polarization and differentiation markers. Ectopic expression of Cdx2 or HNF-1alpha, alone or in combination, altered cell proliferation abilities through the regulation of cyclin D1 and p27 expression. HNF-1alpha and GATA-4 together induced morphological modifications of the cells toward polarization, resulting in the appearance of functional features such as microvilli. HNF-1alpha was also sufficient to induce the expression of cadherins and dipeptidylpeptidase, whereas in combination with Cdx2 it allowed the expression of the late differentiation marker sucrase-isomaltase. Large-scale analysis of gene expression confirmed the cooperative effect of these factors. Finally, although DcamKL1 and Musashi-1 expression were downregulated in differentiated HIEC, other intestinal stem cell markers, such as Bmi1, were unaffected. These observations show that, in cooperation with Cdx2, HNF-1alpha acts as a key factor on human intestinal cells to trigger the onset of their functional differentiation program whereas GATA-4 appears to promote morphological changes.

Mapping of HNF4alpha target genes in intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The role of HNF4alpha has been extensively studied in hepatocytes and pancreatic beta-cells, and HNF4alpha is also regarded as a key regulator of intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. The aim of the present work is to identify novel HNF4alpha target genes in the human intestinal epithelial cells in order to elucidate the role of HNF4alpha in the intestinal differentiation progress.

METHODS

We have performed a ChIP-chip analysis of the human intestinal cell line Caco-2 in order to make a genome-wide identification of HNF4alpha binding to promoter regions. The HNF4alpha ChIP-chip data was matched with gene expression and histone H3 acetylation status of the promoters in order to identify HNF4alpha binding to actively transcribed genes with an open chromatin structure.

RESULTS

1,541 genes were identified as potential HNF4alpha targets, many of which have not previously been described as being regulated by HNF4alpha. The 1,541 genes contributed significantly to gene ontology (GO) pathways categorized by lipid and amino acid transport and metabolism. An analysis of the homeodomain transcription factor Cdx-2 (CDX2), the disaccharidase trehalase (TREH), and the tight junction protein cingulin (CGN) promoters verified that these genes are bound by HNF4alpha in Caco2 cells. For the Cdx-2 and trehalase promoters the HNF4alpha binding was verified in mouse small intestine epithelium.

CONCLUSION

The HNF4alpha regulation of the Cdx-2 promoter unravels a transcription factor network also including HNF1alpha, all of which are transcription factors involved in intestinal development and gene expression.

Lactose digestion and the evolutionary genetics of lactase persistence

It has been known for some 40 years that lactase production persists into adult life in some people but not in others. However, the mechanism and evolutionary significance of this variation have proved more elusive, and continue to excite the interest of investigators from different disciplines. This genetically determined trait differs in frequency worldwide and is due to cis-acting polymorphism of regulation of lactase gene expression. A single nucleotide polymorphism located 13.9 kb upstream from the lactase gene (C-13910 > T) was proposed to be the cause, and the -13910*T allele, which is widespread in Europe was found to be located on a very extended haplotype of 500 kb or more. The long region of haplotype conservation reflects a recent origin, and this, together with high frequencies, is evidence of positive selection, but also means that -13910*T might be an associated marker, rather than being causal of lactase persistence itself. Doubt about function was increased when it was shown that the original SNP did not account for lactase persistence in most African populations. However, the recent discovery that there are several other SNPs associated with lactase persistence in close proximity (within 100 bp), and that they all reside in a piece of sequence that has enhancer function in vitro, does suggest that they may each be functional, and their occurrence on different haplotype backgrounds shows that several independent mutations led to lactase persistence. Here we provide access to a database of worldwide distributions of lactase persistence and of the C-13910*T allele, as well as reviewing lactase molecular and population genetics and the role of selection in determining present day distributions of the lactase persistence phenotype.

Acute induction of histone acetylation on the jejunal sucrase–isomaltase gene by dietary fructose

We have previously reported that dietary fructose rapidly induces jejunal sucrase–isomaltase (SI) gene expression in rats. In this study, we confirmed in mice that SI mRNA was induced 6 h after force-feeding fructose, but not glucose. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we revealed that histones H3 and H4 on the promoter/enhancer regions of the SI gene in mice given fructose were highly acetylated, compared with those given glucose or water. These results suggest that acute induction of SI gene expression by dietary fructose is associated with acetylation of histones H3 and H4 on the SI gene.

GATA4 mediates gene repression in the mature mouse small intestine through interactions with friend of GATA (FOG) cofactors

GATA4, a transcription factor expressed in the proximal small intestine but not in the distal ileum, maintains proximal-distal distinctions by multiple processes involving gene repression, gene activation, and cell fate determination. Friend of GATA (FOG) is an evolutionarily conserved family of cofactors whose members physically associate with GATA factors and mediate GATA-regulated repression in multiple tissues. Using a novel, inducible, intestine-specific Gata4 knock-in model in mice, in which wild-type GATA4 is specifically inactivated in the small intestine, but a GATA4 mutant that does not bind FOG cofactors (GATA4ki) continues to be expressed, we found that ileal-specific genes were significantly induced in the proximal small intestine (P<0.01); in contrast, genes restricted to proximal small intestine and cell lineage markers were unaffected, indicating that GATA4-FOG interactions contribute specifically to the repression function of GATA4 within this organ. Fog1 mRNA displayed a proximal-distal pattern that parallels that of Gata4, and FOG1 protein was co-expressed with GATA4 in intestinal epithelial cells, implicating FOG1 as the likely mediator of GATA4 function in the small intestine. Our data are the first to indicate FOG function and expression in the mammalian small intestine.

Higher expression of jejunal LPH gene in rats fed the high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet compared with those fed the low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet is associated with in vitro binding of Cdx-2 in nuclear proteins to its promoter regions

It has been previously demonstrated that the expression of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) and sucrase-isomaltase (SI) genes are higher in rats fed a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HCT) diet than in those fed a low-carbohydrate/high-fat (LCT) diet. In the present study, using a nuclear run-on assay we clearly show that higher expression of LPH and SI genes in jejunum of rats fed the HCT diet compared with those fed a LCT diet was regulated at the transcription levels. DNase I foot printing analysis of the 5' flanking region of the rat LPH gene demonstrated that by incubating the jejunal nuclear extract the protected region was conserved as the same sequence as the homeodomain protein-binding element designated as CE-LPH1. UV-cross linking and electromobility shift assay in vitro clearly showed that Cdx-2 was including proteins bound to CE-LPH1. Moreover, in vitro binding of Cdx-2 to CE-LPH1 as well as SIF1, a cis-element identified as the binding element of Cdx-2 on the SI gene, in jejunal nuclear extracts of rats fed a HCT diet were greater than those fed a LCT diet. These results suggest that in vitro binding of Cdx-2 to CE-LPH1 as well as SIF1 in jejunal nuclear extracts is associated with the higher expression of the LPH and SI genes in rats fed the HCT diet compared with those fed a LCT diet.

Isoforms of renal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2: expression and functional significance

The renal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2, BSC1) is selectively expressed in the apical membrane of cells of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) and macula densa. NKCC2-dependent salt transport constitutes the major apical entry pathway for transepithelial salt reabsorption in the TAL. Although NKCC2 is encoded by a single gene (Slc12a1), differential splicing of the NKCC2 pre-mRNA results in the formation of several alternate transcripts. Thus three full-length splice isoforms of NKCC2 differ in their variable exon 4, resulting in transcripts for NKCC2B, NKCC2A, and NKCC2F. In addition to full-length isoforms, variants with truncated COOH-terminal ends have been described. The various splice isoforms of NKCC2 differ in their localization along the TAL and in their transport characteristics. Data in the literature are reviewed to assess the principles of NKCC2 differential splicing, the localization of NKCC2 splice isoforms along the TAL in various species, and the functional characteristics of the splice isoforms. In addition, we discuss the functional significance of NKCC2 isoforms for TAL salt retrieval and for the specific salt sensor function of macula densa cells based on studies using isoform-specific NKCC2-knockout mice. We suggest that different NKCC2 splice variants cooperate in salt retrieval along the TAL and that the coexpression of two splice variants (NKCC2B and NKCC2A) in the macula densa cells facilitates efficient salt sensing over wide ranges of fluctuating salt concentrations.

Tubuloglomerular feedback and renin secretion in NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice

Studies in mice with null mutations of adenosine 1 receptor or ecto-5'-nucleotidase genes suggest a critical role of adenosine and its precursor 5'-AMP in tubulovascular signaling. To assess whether the source of juxtaglomerular nucleotides can be traced back to ATP dephosphorylation, experiments were performed in mice with a deficiency in NTPDase1/CD39, an ecto-ATPase catalyzing the formation of AMP from ATP and ADP. Urine osmolarity and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were indistinguishable between NTPDase1/CD39(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice. Maximum tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) responses, as determined by proximal tubular stop flow pressure measurements, were reduced in NTPDase1/CD39(-/-) mice compared with controls (4.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 10.5 +/- 1.2 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.0002). Residual TGF responses gradually diminished after repeated changes in tubular perfusion flow averaging 2.9 +/- 0.9 (on response) and 3.5 +/- 1.1 (off response) mmHg after the second and 2.2 +/- 0.5 (on response) and 1.5 +/- 0.8 (off response) mmHg after the third challenge, whereas no fading of TGF responsiveness was observed in WT mice. Macula densa-dependent and pressure-dependent inhibition of renin secretion, as assessed by acute salt loading and phenylephrine injection, respectively, were intact in NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice. In summary, NTPDase1/CD39-deficient mice showed a markedly compromised TGF regulation of GFR. These data support the concept of an extracellular dephosphorylation cascade during tubular-vascular signal transmission in the juxtaglomerular apparatus that is initiated by a regulated release of ATP from macula densa cells and results in adenosine-mediated afferent arteriole constriction.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha promotes differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells in a coculture system

Normal cellular models able to efficiently recapitulate intestinal epithelial cell differentiation in culture are not yet available. The aim of this work was to establish and genetically characterize a mesenchymal-epithelial coculture system to identify transcriptional regulators involved in this process. The deposition of rat intestinal epithelial cells on human intestinal mesenchymal cells led to the formation of clustered structures that expanded shortly after seeding. These structures were composed of polarized epithelial cells with brush borders and cell junction complexes. A rat GeneChip statistical analysis performed at different time points during this process identified hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha (HNF-4alpha) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (HNF-1alpha) as being induced coincidently with the apparition of polarized epithelial structures. Stable introduction of HNF-4alpha in undifferentiated epithelial cells alone led to the rapid induction of HNF-1alpha and several intestinal-specific markers and metabolism-related genes for which mRNA was identified to be upregulated during epithelial differentiation. HNF-4alpha was capable to transactivate the calbindin 3 gene promoter, a process that was synergistically increased in the presence of HNF-1alpha. When HNF-4alpha-expressing cells were plated on mesenchymal cells, an epithelial monolayer formed rapidly with the apparition of dome structures that are characteristics of vectorial ion transport. Forced expression of HNF-1alpha alone did not result in dome structures formation. In sum, this novel coculture system functionally identified for the first time HNF-4alpha as an important modulator of intestinal epithelial differentiation and offers an innovative opportunity to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in this process.

A novel mechanism of renal blood flow autoregulation and the autoregulatory role of A1 adenosine receptors in mice

Autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) is mediated by a fast myogenic response (MR; approximately 5 s), a slower tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF; approximately 25 s), and potentially additional mechanisms. A1 adenosine receptors (A1AR) mediate TGF in superficial nephrons and contribute to overall autoregulation, but the impact on the other autoregulatory mechanisms is unknown. We studied dynamic autoregulatory responses of RBF to rapid step increases of renal artery pressure in mice. MR was estimated from autoregulation within the first 5 s, TGF from that at 5-25 s, and a third mechanism from 25-100 s. Genetic deficiency of A1AR (A1AR-/-) reduced autoregulation at 5-25 s by 50%, indicating a residual fourth mechanism resembling TGF kinetics but independent of A1AR. MR and third mechanism were unaltered in A1AR-/-. Autoregulation in A1AR-/- was faster at 5-25 than at 25-100 s suggesting two separate mechanisms. Furosemide in wild-type mice (WT) eliminated the third mechanism and enhanced MR, indicating TGF-MR interaction. In A1AR-/-, furosemide did not further impair autoregulation at 5-25 s, but eliminated the third mechanism and enhanced MR. The resulting time course was the same as during furosemide in WT, indicating that A1AR do not affect autoregulation during furosemide inhibition of TGF. We conclude that at least one novel mechanism complements MR and TGF in RBF autoregulation, that is slower than MR and TGF and sensitive to furosemide, but not mediated by A1AR. A fourth mechanism with kinetics similar to TGF but independent of A1AR and furosemide might also contribute. A1AR mediate classical TGF but not TGF-MR interaction.

Adenosine stimulates the basolateral 50 pS K channels in the thick ascending limb of the rat kidney

We used the patch-clamp technique to examine the effect of adenosine on the basolateral K channels in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the rat kidney. A 50-pS inwardly rectifying K channel was detected in the basolateral membrane, and the channel activity was decreased by hyperpolarization. Application of adenosine (10 microM) increased the activity of basolateral 50 pS K channels, defined by NP(o), from 0.21 to 0.41. The effect of adenosine on the 50 pS K channels was mimicked by cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), which increased channel activity by a dose-dependent manner. However, inhibition of the A1 adenosine receptor with 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) failed to block the effect of CHA. In contrast, application of 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC), an A2 adenosine antagonist, abolished the stimulatory effect of CHA. The possibility that the effect of adenosine and adenosine analog on the basolateral 50 pS K channel was the result of activation of the A2 adenosine receptor was also suggested by the observation that application of CGS-21680, a selected A(2A) adenosine receptor agonist, increased the channel activity. Also, inhibition of PKA with N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide-2HC1 abolished the stimulatory effect of CHA on the basolateral 50 pS K channel. Moreover, addition of the membrane-permeable cAMP analog increases the activity of 50 pS K channels. We conclude that adenosine activates the 50 pS K channel in the basolateral membrane of the TAL and the stimulatory effect is mainly mediated by a PKA-dependent pathway via the A2 adenosine receptor in the TAL.

Gata4 and Hnf1alpha are partially required for the expression of specific intestinal genes during development

The terminal differentiation phases of intestinal development in mice occur during cytodifferentiation and the weaning transition. Lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH), liver fatty acid binding protein (Fabp1), and sucrase-isomaltase (SI) are well-characterized markers of these transitions. With the use of gene inactivation models in mature mouse jejunum, we have previously shown that a member of the zinc finger transcription factor family (Gata4) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (Hnf1alpha) are each indispensable for LPH and Fabp1 gene expression but are both dispensable for SI gene expression. In the present study, we used these models to test the hypothesis that Gata4 and Hnf1alpha regulate LPH, Fabp1, and SI gene expression during development, specifically focusing on cytodifferentiation and the weaning transition. Inactivation of Gata4 had no effect on LPH gene expression during either cytodifferentiation or suckling, whereas inactivation of Hnf1alpha resulted in a 50% reduction in LPH gene expression during these same time intervals. Inactivation of Gata4 or Hnf1alpha had a partial effect ( approximately 50% reduction) on Fabp1 gene expression during cytodifferentiation and suckling but no effect on SI gene expression at any time during development. Throughout the suckling period, we found a surprising and dramatic reduction in Gata4 and Hnf1alpha protein in the nuclei of absorptive enterocytes of the jejunum despite high levels of their mRNAs. Finally, we show that neither Gata4 nor Hnf1alpha mediates the glucocorticoid-induced precocious maturation of the intestine but rather are downstream targets of this process. Together, these data demonstrate that specific intestinal genes have differential requirements for Gata4 and Hnf1alpha that are dependent on the developmental time frame in which they are expressed.

Carbohydrate/fat ratio in the diet alters histone acetylation on the sucrase-isomaltase gene and its expression in mouse small intestine

A diet with a high carbohydrate/fat ratio enhances jejunal SI gene expression. Using ChIP assay, we revealed that the acetylation of histone H3 on transcriptional region and H4 on promoter region, respectively, of mouse SI gene are high. The acetylation of histone H3 and H4 as well as binding of HNF-1 and Cdx-2 on SI gene, was enhanced by increase in carbohydrate/fat ratio in the diet. These suggest that induction of SI gene by the diet rich in carbohydrate is associated with acetylation of histone H3 and H4 as well as binding of HNF-1 and Cdx-2 on SI gene.

Low plasma renin and reduced renin secretory responses to acute stimuli in conscious COX-2-deficient mice

In the current experiments, we determined the response of plasma renin concentration (PRC) to acute intraperitoneal administration of furosemide (40 mg/kg), hydralazine (2 mg/kg), isoproterenol (10 mg/kg), candesartan (50 μg), or quinaprilate (50 μg) in conscious wild-type (WT) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2−/− mice on three different genetic backgrounds (mixed, C57BL/6, 129J). PRC was measured in plasma obtained by tail vein puncture. Basal PRC was significantly lower in COX-2−/− than WT mice independent of genetic background (51, 10, and 17% of WT in mixed, 129J, and C57BL/6). All five acute interventions caused significant increases of PRC in both COX-2+/+ and −/− mice, but the response was consistently less in COX-2-deficient mice (e.g., ΔPRC in ng ANG I·ml−1·h−1 caused by furosemide, isoproterenol, hydralazine, quinaprilate, or candesartan 4,699 ± 544, 3,534 ± 957, 2,522 ± 369, 9,453 ± 1,705, 66,455 ± 21,938 in 129J WT, and 201 ± 78, 869 ± 275, 140 ± 71, 902 ± 304, 2,660 ± 954 in 129J COX-2−/−). A low-NaCl diet and enalapril for 1 wk caused a 14-fold elevation of PRC in COX-2−/− mice and was associated with a greatly increased PRC response to acute furosemide (ΔPRC 201 ± 78 before and 15,984 ± 2,397 after low Na/enalapril). As measured by radiotelemetry, blood pressure and heart rate responses to furosemide, hydralazine, isoproterenol, candesartan, or quinaprilate were not different between COX-2 genotypes. In conclusion, chronic absence of COX-2 reduces renin expression, release, and PRC and is associated with a reduced ability to alter PRC during acute stimulation regardless of the nature of the stimulus. COX-2 activity does not appear to be a mandatory and specific requirement for furosemide-stimulated renin secretion.

The possible roles of homeobox protein, Cdx-2 for the expression of LPH gene during postnatal development

The expression of intestinal lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) gene normally decreases after completion of weaning in almost all mammals. To elucidate the mechanism whereby LPH gene expression is regulated during the suckling-weaning period, we studied the effects of the thyroid hormone (T(3)) on LPH gene expression in the small intestine during postnatal development in the rat. Firstly, we measured LPH mRNA level in rat jejunum at 5, 13, 20 and 27 days after birth. The amount of LPH mRNA at 27 days was significantly lower than that at 5 days. The transcript level of Cdx-2, which is a putative transcriptional factor for regulation of LPH gene expression, was also significantly decreased after 21 days. The binding of nuclear protein to the cis element CE-LPH1 on the promoter region of the LPH gene was reduced at the end of the weaning period. Daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of T(3) for 6 days during days 22-27 significantly reduced LPH mRNA level by day 27 (50%, P<0.01), but injection of T(3) during days 8-13 did not. Moreover, i.p. T(3) injection during days 22-27 was accompanied by a reduction in the level of Cdx-2 mRNA. Our study suggests that the decrease in the LPH gene expression during the weaning period is associated with a reduction of Cdx-2 expression caused by thyroid hormone.

Regulation of renin in mice with Cre recombinase-mediated deletion of G protein Gsα in juxtaglomerular cells

By crossing mice with expression of Cre recombinase under control of the endogenous renin promoter (Sequeira Lopez ML, Pentz ES, Nomasa T, Smithies O, Gomez RA. Dev Cell 6: 719–728, 2004) with mice in which exon 1 of the Gnas gene was flanked by loxP sites (Chen M, Gavrilova O, Liu J, Xie T, Deng C, Nguyen AT, Nackers LM, Lorenzo J, Shen L, Weinstein LS. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA), we generated animals with preferential and nearly complete excision of Gsα in juxtaglomerular granular (JG) cells. Compared with wild-type animals, mice with conditional Gsα deficiency had markedly reduced basal levels of renin expression and very low plasma renin concentrations. Furthermore, the acute release responses to furosemide, hydralazine, and isoproterenol were virtually abolished. Consistent with a state of primary renin depletion, Gsα-deficient mice had reduced arterial blood pressure, reduced levels of aldosterone, and a low glomerular filtration rate. Renin content and renin secretion of JG cells in primary culture were drastically reduced, and the stimulatory response to the addition of PGE2or isoproterenol was eliminated. Unexpectedly, Gsα recombination was also observed in the renal medulla, and this was associated with a vasopressin-resistant concentrating defect. Our study shows that Cre recombinase under control of the renin promoter can be used for the excision of floxed targets from JG cells. We conclude that Gsα-mediated signal transduction is essential and nonredundant in the control of renin synthesis and release.

Gata4 is essential for the maintenance of jejunal-ileal identities in the adult mouse small intestine

Gata4, a member of the zinc finger family of GATA transcription factors, is highly expressed in duodenum and jejunum but is nearly undetectable in distal ileum of adult mice. We show here that the caudal reduction of Gata4 is conserved in humans. To test the hypothesis that the regional expression of Gata4 is critical for the maintenance of jejunal-ileal homeostasis in the adult small intestine in vivo, we established an inducible, intestine-specific model that results in the synthesis of a transcriptionally inactive Gata4 mutant. Synthesis of mutant Gata4 in jejuna of 6- to 8-week-old mice resulted in an attenuation of absorptive enterocyte genes normally expressed in jejunum but not in ileum, including those for the anticipated targets liver fatty acid binding protein (Fabp1) and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH), and a surprising induction of genes normally silent in jejunum but highly expressed in ileum, specifically those involved in bile acid transport. Inactivation of Gata4 resulted in an increase in the goblet cell population and a redistribution of the enteroendocrine subpopulations, all toward an ileal phenotype. The gene encoding Math1, a known activator of the secretory cell fate, was induced approximately 75% (P < 0.05). Gata4 is thus an important positional signal required for the maintenance of jejunal-ileal identities in the adult mouse small intestine.