Clostridium butyricum Induces the Production and Glycosylation of Mucins in HT-29 Cells

Achieving healthy aging through gut microbiota-directed dietary intervention: Focusing on microbial biomarkers and host mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Population aging has become a primary global public health issue, and the prevention of age-associated diseases and prolonging healthy life expectancies are of particular importance. Gut microbiota has emerged as a novel target in various host physiological disorders including aging. Comprehensive understanding on changes of gut microbiota during aging, in particular gut microbiota characteristics of centenarians, can provide us possibility to achieving healthy aging or intervene pathological aging through gut microbiota-directed strategies.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the characteristics of the gut microbiota associated with aging, explore potential biomarkers of aging and address microbiota-associated mechanisms of host aging focusing on intestinal barrier and immune status. By summarizing the existing effective dietary strategies in aging interventions, the probability of developing a diet targeting the gut microbiota in future is provided.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review is focused on three key notions: Firstly, gut microbiota has become a new target for regulating health status and lifespan, and its changes are closely related to age. Thus, we summarized aging-associated gut microbiota features at the levels of key genus/species and important metabolites through comparing the microbiota differences among centenarians, elderly people and younger people. Secondly, exploring microbiota biomarkers related to aging and discussing future possibility using dietary regime/components targeted to aging-related microbiota biomarkers promote human healthy lifespan. Thirdly, dietary intervention can effectively improve the imbalance of gut microbiota related to aging, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, but their effects vary among.

Host-pathogen interaction: Enterobacter cloacae exerts different adhesion and invasion capacities against different host cell types

New antibiotics are urgently needed due to the huge increase of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The underexplored gram-negative bacterium Enterobacter cloacae is known to cause severe urinary tract and lung infections (UTIs). The pathogenicity of E. cloacae in UTI has only been studied at the bioinformatic level, but until now not within systematic in vitro investigations. The present study assesses different human cell lines for monitoring the early steps of host-pathogen interaction regarding bacterial adhesion to and invasion into different host cells by flow cytometric adhesion assay, classical cell counting assay, gentamicin invasion assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which E. cloacae has been investigated for its interaction with human bladder, kidney, skin, and lung cell lines under in vitro conditions. Data indicate that E. cloacae exerts strong adhesion to urinary tract (bladder and kidney) and lung cells, a finding which correlates with the clinical relevance of the bacterium for induction of urinary tract and lung infections. Furthermore, E. cloacae ATCC 13047 barely adheres to skin cells (A-431) and shows no relevant interaction with intestinal cells (Caco-2, HT-29), even in the presence of mucin (HT29 MTX). In contrast, invasion assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrate that E. cloacae internalizes in all tested host cells, but to a different extent. Especially, bladder and kidney cells are being invaded to the highest extent. Defective mutants of fimH and fimA abolished the adhesion of E. cloacae to T24 cells, while csgA deletion had no influence on adhesion. These results indicate that E. cloacae has different pattern for adhesion and invasion depending on the target tissue, which again correlates with the clinical relevance of the pathogen. For detailed investigation of the early host-pathogen interaction T24 bladder cells comprise a suitable assay system for evaluation the bacterial adhesion and invasion.

Development of an In Vitro Model of the Gut Microbiota Enriched in Mucus-Adhering Bacteria

Culturing the gut microbiota in in vitro models that mimic the intestinal environment is increasingly becoming a promising alternative approach to study microbial dynamics and the effect of perturbations on the gut community. Since the mucus-associated microbial populations in the human intestine differ in composition and functions from their luminal counterpart, we attempted to reproduce in vitro the microbial consortia adhering to mucus using an already established three-dimensional model of the human gut microbiota. Electrospun gelatin structures supplemented or not with mucins were inoculated with fecal samples and compared for their ability to support microbial adhesion and growth over time, as well as to shape the composition of the colonizing communities. Both scaffolds allowed the establishment of long-term stable biofilms with comparable total bacterial loads and biodiversity. However, mucin-coated structures harbored microbial consortia especially enriched in Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium, being therefore able to select for microorganisms commonly considered mucosa-associated in vivo. IMPORTANCE These findings highlight the importance of mucins in shaping intestinal microbial communities, even those in artificial gut microbiota systems. We propose our in vitro model based on mucin-coated electrospun gelatin structures as a valid device for studies evaluating the effects of exogenous factors (nutrients, probiotics, infectious agents, and drugs) on mucus-adhering microbial communities.

Alterations of the intestinal mucus layer correlate with dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in human Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

In preclinical models of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) the integrity of the gut barrier (GB) is instrumental to avoid dysregulated crosstalk between the commensal microbiota and immune cells and to prevent autoimmunity. The GB is composed of the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) and of the mucus layer containing mucins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are crucial to maintain immune tolerance. In preclinical models of T1D the alterations of the GB primarily affect the mucus layer. In human T1D increased gut permeability and IEB damage have been demonstrated but the integrity of the mucus layer was never assessed.

METHODS

We evaluated GB integrity by measuring serological markers of IEB damage (serological levels of zonulin) and bacterial translocation such as lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), and mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, mucins and AMPs in intestinal tissue of T1D patients and healthy controls (HC). Simultaneously, we performed immunological profiling on intestinal tissue and 16S rRNA analysis on the mucus-associated gut microbiota (MAGM).

FINDINGS

Our data show a GB damage with mucus layer alterations and reduced mRNA expression of several mucins (MUC2, MUC12, MUC13, MUC15, MUC20, MUC21) and AMPs (HD4 and HD5) in T1D patients. Mucus layer alterations correlated with reduced relative abundance of short chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Bifidobacterium dentium, Clostridium butyricum and Roseburia intestinalis that regulate mucin expression and intestinal immune homeostasis. In T1D patients we also found intestinal immune dysregulation with higher percentages of effector T cells such as T helper (Th) 1, Th17 and TNF-α⁺ T cells.

INTERPRETATION

Our data show that mucus layer alterations are present in T1D subjects and associated with dysbiosis and immune dysregulation.

FUNDING

Research Grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (Grant 1-INO-2018-640-A-N to MF and 2-SRA-2019-680-S-B to JD) and from the Italian Ministry of Health (Grant RF19-12370721 to MF).

Orchestration of MUC2 - The key regulatory target of gut barrier and homeostasis: A review

The gut mucosa of human is covered by mucus, functioning as a crucial defense line for the intestine against external stimuli and pathogens. Mucin2 (MUC2) is a subtype of secretory mucins generated by goblet cells and is the major macromolecular component of mucus. Currently, there is an increasing interest on the investigations of MUC2, noting that its function is far beyond a maintainer of the mucus barrier. Moreover, numerous gut diseases are associated with dysregulated MUC2 production. Appropriate production level of MUC2 and mucus contributes to gut barrier function and homeostasis. The production of MUC2 is regulated by a series of physiological processes, which are orchestrated by various bioactive molecules, signaling pathways and gut microbiota, etc., forming a complex regulatory network. Incorporating the latest findings, this review provided a comprehensive summary of MUC2, including its structure, significance and secretory process. Furthermore, we also summarized the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of MUC2 production aiming to provide developmental directions for future researches on MUC2, which can act as a potential prognostic indicator and targeted therapeutic manipulation for diseases. Collectively, we elucidated the micro-level mechanisms underlying MUC2-related phenotypes, hoping to offer some constructive guidance for intestinal and overall health of mankind.

Fucosyltransferase 2 is involved in immune-related functions in Penaeus vannamei by modulating antimicrobial peptides' expression

In mammals fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) plays an important regulatory role in inflammation, bacterial or viral infection, and tumor metastasis. However, the specific role of FUT2 in invertebrate immunity has not been reported. Here, the FUT2 homolog of Penaeus vannamei (designated as PvFUT2) was cloned and found to have a full-length cDNA of 1104 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 316 amino acids. PvFUT2 is constitutively expressed in all shrimp tissues tested with the highest found in intestines. Moreover, PvFUT2 was induced in the main immune organs (hemocytes and hepatopancreas) of shrimp by Gram-positive (Vibrio parahaemolyticus), Gram-negative (Streptococcus iniae) bacteria and virus (White Spot Syndrome Virus), indicating the involvement of PvFUT2 in shrimp antimicrobial response. Intriguingly, PvFUT2 knockdown with or without pathogen challenge reduced the expression of Pvβ-catenin and antimicrobial peptides genes, particularly anti lipopolysaccharide factor and lysozyme. Further analysis revealed that the knockdown of PvFUT2 increased Vibrio abundance in hemolymph and resulted in an increase in shrimp cumulative mortality rate. Thus, during pathogen challenge, the expression of PvFUT2 is induced to regulate β-catenin and subsequently antimicrobial peptides expression to augment shrimp antimicrobial immune response.

Intestinal epithelium-specific Fut2 deficiency promotes colorectal cancer through down-regulating fucosylation of MCAM

BACKGROUND

Our previous study showed that fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) deficiency is closely related to colitis. Colitis increases the risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of action of Fut2 in CRC.

METHODS

Intestinal epithelium-specific Fut2 knockout (Fut2^△IEC) mice were used in this study. CRC was induced using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Immunofluorescence was used to examine the fucosylation levels. Proteomics and N-glycoproteomics analyses, Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA-I) affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and rescue assay were used to investigate the mechanism of Fut2 in CRC.

RESULTS

The expression of Fut2 and α-1,2-fucosylation was lower in colorectal tumor tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues of AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice. More colorectal tumors were detected in Fut2^△IEC mice than in control mice, and significant downregulation of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) fucosylation was detected in the colorectal tumor tissues of Fut2^△IEC mice. Overexpression of Fut2 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and tumor metastasis in vivo and in vitro in SW480 and HCT116 cells. Moreover, fucosylation of MCAM may be a mediator of Fut2 in CRC. Peracetylated 2-F-Fuc, a fucosyltransferase inhibitor, repressed fucosylation modification of MCAM and reversed the inhibitory effects of Fut2 overexpression on SW480 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our results indicate that Fut2 deficiency in the intestinal epithelium promotes CRC by downregulating the fucosylation of MCAM.

CONCLUSIONS

The regulation of fucosylation may be an potential therapy for CRC, especially in patients with Fut2 gene defects.

Resveratrol enhances MUC2 synthesis via the ANRIL-miR-34a axis to mitigate IBD

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with strong biological activity that confers a measure of protection against the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) is closely related to inflammation. The present study determined whether resveratrol attenuated IBD by regulating ANRIL and its specific molecular mechanism.

METHODS

In vivo model of IBD was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). In total, 60 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (normal control - NC, DSS, RSV), and their weight changes, fecal traits, colon length and tissue hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) were observed. Moreover, human colonic epithelial cells (HCoEpiC) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as cell models of IBD. The tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, lncRNA ANRIL, and miR-34a levels were measured by RT-PCR. The expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) and an enzyme associated with MUC2 synthesis, polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 7 (GALNT7), was measured by RT-PCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Resveratrol treatment mitigated colitis by significantly decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and miR-34a, and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (i.e. IL-10), MUC2, GLNAT7, and lncRNA ANRIL in mice and HCoEpiC (all P<0.05). The elevated synthesis of MUC2 could be attributed to the ANRIL-miR-34a axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol attenuates IBD by promoting MUC2 synthesis via the ANRIL-miR-34a axis.

A Combination of Two Probiotics, Lactobacillus sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum, Inhibits Colon Cancer Development: An In Vitro Study

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide and, even though several advances have been made in terms of specific treatment, the late-stage detection and the associated side effects of the conventional drugs sustain the search for better treatment alternatives. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been proven to possess numerous health benefits for human hosts, including anticancer effects. In the present study, the in vitro effect of the association of two probiotic strains (PBT), Lactobacillus sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum, were tested against colon (HT-29 and HCT 116), lung (A549), and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines, alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Moreover, the underlying mechanism of PBT and PBT-5FU against the HT-29 cell line was evaluated using the Hoechst 33342 staining, revealing characteristic apoptotic modifications, such as chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Furthermore, the increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, Bid, Bad, and Bak proteins and the inhibition of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins were recorded. Collectively, these findings suggest that the two strains of probiotic bacteria, alone or in association with 5FU, induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells and may serve as a potential anticancer treatment.