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Ye L, Shi Y, Zhang H, Chen C, Niu J, Yang J, Li Z, Shao H, Qin B. circFLNA promotes intestinal injury during abdominal sepsis through Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway by sponging miR-766-3p. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:509-529. [PMID: 36625877 PMCID: PMC10023616 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01688-1] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-abdominal infections are the second most common cause of sepsis in the intensive care unit. Intestinal epithelial injury due to abdominal sepsis results in a variety of pathological changes, such as intestinal bacteria and toxins entering the blood, leading to persistent systemic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction. The increased apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells induced by sepsis further exacerbates the progression of sepsis. Although several studies have revealed that circRNAs are involved in intestinal epithelial injury in sepsis, few studies have identified the roles of circRNAs in intestinal epithelial apoptosis. METHODS We used laser capture microdissection to obtain purified epithelial cells located in intestinal crypts from four patients with abdominal sepsis induced by intestinal perforation and four samples from age and sex-matched non-septic patients. Microarray analysis of circRNAs was conducted to assess differentially expressed circRNAs between patients with and without sepsis. Lastly, in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to study the mechanism of circFLNA in intestinal epithelial apoptosis during sepsis. RESULTS circFLNA was upregulated in the intestinal epithelium after abdominal sepsis induced by intestinal perforation. Inhibition of miR-766-3p impaired si-circFLNA-mediated inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation factor levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated HIEC-6 cells. circFLNA aggravated apoptosis and inflammation through the Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway in both LPS-treated HIEC-6 cells and a mouse cecal ligation and puncture model. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that circFLNA promotes intestinal injury in abdominal sepsis through the Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway by sponging miR-766-3p. The circFLNA/miR-766-3p/Fas axis has potential as a novel therapeutic target for treating intestinal injury in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ye
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Huifeng Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jianxu Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Huanzhang Shao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Bingyu Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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Methods to Study the Myenteric Plexus of Rat Small Intestine. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:315-325. [PMID: 34932174 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The close interaction between the enteric nervous system, microbiome, and brain in vertebrates is an emerging topic of recent studies. Different species such as rat, mouse, and human are currently being used for this purpose, among others. The transferability of protocols for tissue isolation and sample collection is not always straightforward. Thus, the present work presents a new protocol for isolation and sample collection of rat myenteric plexus cells for in vivo as well as in vitro studies. With the methods and chemicals described in detail, a wide variety of investigations can be performed with regard to normal physiological as well as pathological processes in the postnatal developing enteric nervous system. The fast and efficient preparation of the intestine as the first step is particularly important. We have developed and described a LIENS chamber to obtain optimal tissue quality during intestinal freezing. Cryosections of the flat, snap-frozen intestine can then be prepared for histological examination of the various wall layers of the intestine, e.g. by immunohistochemistry. In addition, these cryosections are suitable for the preparation of defined regions, as shown here using the ganglia of the mesenteric plexus. This specific tissue was obtained by laser microdissection, making the presented methodology also suitable for subsequent analyses that require high quality (specificity) of the samples. Furthermore, we present here a fully modernized protocol for the cultivation of myenteric neurons from the rat intestine, which is suitable for a variety of in vitro studies.
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Hecking I, Stegemann LN, Theis V, Vorgerd M, Matschke V, Stahlke S, Theiss C. Neuroprotective Effects of VEGF in the Enteric Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126756. [PMID: 35743202 PMCID: PMC9224388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the enteric nervous system (ENS) functions largely autonomously as part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), it is connected to the central nervous system (CNS) via the gut–brain axis. In many neurodegenerative diseases, pathological changes occur in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as alpha-synuclein aggregates in Parkinson’s disease, which are found early in the ENS. In both the CNS and PNS, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects. Since the ENS with its close connection to the microbiome and the immune system is discussed as the origin of neurodegenerative diseases, it is necessary to investigate the possibly positive effects of VEGF on enteric neurons. Using laser microdissection and subsequent quantitative RT-PCR as well as immunohistochemistry, for the first time we were able to detect and localize VEGF receptor expression in rat myenteric neurons of different ages. Furthermore, we demonstrate direct neuroprotective effects of VEGF in the ENS in cell cultures. Thus, our results suggest a promising approach regarding neuroprotection, as the use of VEGF (may) prevent neuronal damage in the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hecking
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Lennart Norman Stegemann
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Verena Theis
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Neuromuscular Center Ruhrgebiet, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, Building MA, Level 5, 44780 Bochum, Germany; (I.H.); (L.N.S.); (V.T.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-234-32-24560
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May-Zhang AA, Benthal JT, Southard-Smith EM. Hybridization Chain Reaction for mRNA Localization in Single Cells from Mouse and Human Cryosections. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e439. [PMID: 35612422 PMCID: PMC9202517 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.439] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In situ hybridization has been a robust method for detection of mRNA expression in whole-mount samples or tissue sections for more than 50 years. Recent technical advances for in situ hybridization have incorporated oligo-based probes that attain greater tissue penetration and signal amplification steps with restricted localization for visualization of specific mRNAs within single cells. One such method is third-generation in situ hybridization chain reaction (V3HCR). Here, we report an optimized protocol for V3HCR detection of gene expression using sectioned frozen tissues from mouse and human on microscope slides. Our methods and modifications for cryosectioning, tissue fixation, and processing over a three-day V3HCR protocol are detailed along with recommendations for aliquoting and storing V3HCR single-stranded DNA probes and hairpin amplifiers. In addition, we describe a method for blocking background signal from lipofuscin, a highly autofluorescent material that is widespread in human neurons and often complicates imaging efforts. After testing multiple strategies for reduction of lipofuscin, we determined that application of a lipofuscin quencher dye is compatible with V3HCR, in contrast to other methods like cupric sulfate quenching or Sudan Black B blocking that cause V3HCR signal loss. This adaptation enables application of V3HCR for in situ detection of gene expression in human neuronal populations that are otherwise problematic due to lipofuscin autofluorescence. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Mouse and human fresh-frozen tissue in situ hybridization chain reaction on microscope slides Support Protocol: Aliquoting of HCR probes and hairpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. May-Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Joseph T. Benthal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - E. Michelle Southard-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232.,Corresponding Author:
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May-Zhang AA, Tycksen E, Southard-Smith AN, Deal KK, Benthal JT, Buehler DP, Adam M, Simmons AJ, Monaghan JR, Matlock BK, Flaherty DK, Potter SS, Lau KS, Southard-Smith EM. Combinatorial Transcriptional Profiling of Mouse and Human Enteric Neurons Identifies Shared and Disparate Subtypes In Situ. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:755-770.e26. [PMID: 33010250 PMCID: PMC7878294 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The enteric nervous system (ENS) coordinates essential intestinal functions through the concerted action of diverse enteric neurons (ENs). However, integrated molecular knowledge of EN subtypes is lacking. To compare human and mouse ENs, we transcriptionally profiled healthy ENS from adult humans and mice. We aimed to identify transcripts marking discrete neuron subtypes and visualize conserved EN subtypes for humans and mice in multiple bowel regions. METHODS Human myenteric ganglia and adjacent smooth muscle were isolated by laser-capture microdissection for RNA sequencing. Ganglia-specific transcriptional profiles were identified by computationally subtracting muscle gene signatures. Nuclei from mouse myenteric neurons were isolated and subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing, totaling more than 4 billion reads and 25,208 neurons. Neuronal subtypes were defined using mouse single-nucleus RNA sequencing data. Comparative informatics between human and mouse data sets identified shared EN subtype markers, which were visualized in situ using hybridization chain reaction. RESULTS Several EN subtypes in the duodenum, ileum, and colon are conserved between humans and mice based on orthologous gene expression. However, some EN subtype-specific genes from mice are expressed in completely distinct morphologically defined subtypes in humans. In mice, we identified several neuronal subtypes that stably express gene modules across all intestinal segments, with graded, regional expression of 1 or more marker genes. CONCLUSIONS Our combined transcriptional profiling of human myenteric ganglia and mouse EN provides a rich foundation for developing novel intestinal therapeutics. There is congruency among some EN subtypes, but we note multiple species differences that should be carefully considered when relating findings from mouse ENS research to human gastrointestinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A May-Zhang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, McDonnell Genome Institute, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Austin N Southard-Smith
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Karen K Deal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joseph T Benthal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mike Adam
- University of Cincinnati Children's Medical Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alan J Simmons
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James R Monaghan
- Northeastern University, Department of Biology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brittany K Matlock
- Office of Shared Resources, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David K Flaherty
- Office of Shared Resources, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - S Steven Potter
- University of Cincinnati Children's Medical Hospital Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Wright CM, Garifallou JP, Schneider S, Mentch HL, Kothakapa DR, Maguire BA, Heuckeroth RO. Dlx1/2 mice have abnormal enteric nervous system function. JCI Insight 2020; 5:131494. [PMID: 32017713 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.131494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades ago, investigators reported that mice lacking DLX1 and DLX2, transcription factors expressed in the enteric nervous system (ENS), die with possible bowel motility problems. These problems were never fully elucidated. We found that mice lacking DLX1 and DLX2 (Dlx1/2-/- mice) had slower small bowel transit and reduced or absent neurally mediated contraction complexes. In contrast, small bowel motility seemed normal in adult mice lacking DLX1 (Dlx1-/-). Even with detailed anatomic studies, we found no defects in ENS precursor migration, or neuronal and glial density in Dlx1/2-/- or Dlx1-/- mice. However, RNA sequencing of Dlx1/2-/- ENS revealed dysregulation of many genes, including vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip). Using immunohistochemistry and reporter mice, we then found that Dlx1/2-/- mice have reduced VIP expression and fewer VIP-lineage neurons in their ENS. Our study reveals what we believe is a novel connection between Dlx genes and Vip and highlights the observation that dangerous bowel motility problems can occur in the absence of easily identifiable ENS structural defects. These findings may be relevant for disorders like chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Wright
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James P Garifallou
- Center for Applied Genomics, and.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather L Mentch
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deepika R Kothakapa
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Beth A Maguire
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics.,Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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