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Kader L, Willits AB, Meriano S, Christianson JA, La JH, Feng B, Knight B, Kosova G, Deberry JJ, Coates MD, Hyams JS, Baumbauer KM, Young EE. Identification of Arginine-Vasopressin Receptor 1a (Avpr1a/Avpr1a) as a Novel Candidate Gene for Chronic Visceral Pain Sheds Light on the Potential Role of Enteric Neurons in the Development of Visceral Hypersensitivity. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104572. [PMID: 38768798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic abdominal pain in the absence of ongoing disease is the hallmark of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the etiology of DGBIs remains poorly understood, there is evidence that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. In this study, we report the identification and validation of arginine-vasopressin receptor 1A (Avpr1a) as a novel candidate gene for visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a primary peripheral mechanism underlying abdominal pain in DGBI/IBS. Comparing 2 C57BL/6 (BL/6) substrains (C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J) revealed differential susceptibility to the development of chronic VH following intrarectal zymosan instillation, a validated preclinical model for postinflammatory IBS. Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism differentiating the 2 strains in the 5' intergenic region upstream of Avpr1a, encoding the protein Avpr1a. We used behavioral, histological, and molecular approaches to identify distal colon-specific gene expression and neuronal hyperresponsiveness covarying with Avpr1a genotype and VH susceptibility. While the 2 BL/6 substrains did not differ across other gastrointestinal phenotypes (eg, fecal water retention), VH-susceptible BL/6NTac mice had higher colonic Avpr1a mRNA and protein expression. These results parallel findings that patients' colonic Avpr1a mRNA expression corresponded to higher pain ratings. Moreover, neurons of the enteric nervous system were hyperresponsive to the Avpr1a agonist arginine-vasopressin, suggesting a role for enteric neurons in the pathology underlying VH. Taken together, these findings implicate differential regulation of Avpr1a as a novel mechanism of VH susceptibility as well as a potential therapeutic target specific to VH. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents evidence of Avpr1a as a novel candidate gene for VH in a mouse model of IBS. Avpr1a genotype and/or tissue-specific expression represents a potential biomarker for chronic abdominal pain susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Adam B Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sebastian Meriano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Bin Feng
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Brittany Knight
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Gulum Kosova
- Division of Statistical Genetics,TenSixteen Bio, Suffolk, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer J Deberry
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Matthew D Coates
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey S Hyams
- Department of Gastroenterology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Kyle M Baumbauer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Erin E Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
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Mandal A, Moneme C, Tewari BP, Goldstein AM, Sontheimer H, Cheng L, Moore SR, Levin D. A novel method for culturing enteric neurons generates neurospheres containing functional myenteric neuronal subtypes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 407:110144. [PMID: 38670535 PMCID: PMC11144385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110144] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of neurons, glia, and neural progenitor cells that regulate essential gastrointestinal functions. Advances in high-efficiency enteric neuron culture would facilitate discoveries surrounding ENS regulatory processes, pathophysiology, and therapeutics. NEW METHOD Development of a simple, robust, one-step method to culture murine enteric neurospheres in a 3D matrix that supports neural growth and differentiation. RESULTS Myenteric plexus cells isolated from the entire length of adult murine small intestine formed ≥3000 neurospheres within 7 days. Matrigel-embedded neurospheres exhibited abundant neural stem and progenitor cells expressing Sox2, Sox10 and Msi1 by day 4. By day 5, neural progenitor cell marker Nestin appeared in the periphery of neurospheres prior to differentiation. Neurospheres produced extensive neurons and neurites, confirmed by Tubulin beta III, PGP9.5, HuD/C, and NeuN immunofluorescence, including neural subtypes Calretinin, ChAT, and nNOS following 8 days of differentiation. Individual neurons within and external to neurospheres generated depolarization induced action potentials which were inhibited in the presence of sodium channel blocker, Tetrodotoxin. Differentiated neurospheres also contained a limited number of glia and endothelial cells. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This novel one-step neurosphere growth and differentiation culture system, in 3D format (in the presence of GDNF, EGF, and FGF2), allows for ∼2-fold increase in neurosphere count in the derivation of enteric neurons with measurable action potentials. CONCLUSION Our method describes a novel, robust 3D culture of electrophysiologically active enteric neurons from adult myenteric neural stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Mandal
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chioma Moneme
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bhanu P Tewari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lily Cheng
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sean R Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Daniel Levin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Llorente C. The Imperative for Innovative Enteric Nervous System-Intestinal Organoid Co-Culture Models: Transforming GI Disease Modeling and Treatment. Cells 2024; 13:820. [PMID: 38786042 PMCID: PMC11119846 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100820] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the need for innovative co-culture systems integrating the enteric nervous system (ENS) with intestinal organoids. The breakthroughs achieved through these techniques will pave the way for a transformative era in gastrointestinal (GI) disease modeling and treatment strategies. This review serves as an introduction to the companion protocol paper featured in this journal. The protocol outlines the isolation and co-culture of myenteric and submucosal neurons with small intestinal organoids. This review provides an overview of the intestinal organoid culture field to establish a solid foundation for effective protocol application. Remarkably, the ENS surpasses the number of neurons in the spinal cord. Referred to as the "second brain", the ENS orchestrates pivotal roles in GI functions, including motility, blood flow, and secretion. The ENS is organized into myenteric and submucosal plexuses. These plexuses house diverse subtypes of neurons. Due to its proximity to the gut musculature and its cell type complexity, there are methodological intricacies in studying the ENS. Diverse approaches such as primary cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) neurospheres, and induced ENS cells offer diverse insights into the multifaceted functionality of the ENS. The ENS exhibits dynamic interactions with the intestinal epithelium, the muscle layer, and the immune system, influencing epithelial physiology, motility, immune responses, and the microbiome. Neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), play pivotal roles in these intricate interactions. Understanding these dynamics is imperative, as the ENS is implicated in various diseases, ranging from neuropathies to GI disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The emergence of organoid technology presents an unprecedented opportunity to study ENS interactions within the complex milieu of the small and large intestines. This manuscript underscores the urgent need for standardized protocols and advanced techniques to unravel the complexities of the ENS and its dynamic relationship with the gut ecosystem. The insights gleaned from such endeavors hold the potential to revolutionize GI disease modeling and treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Llorente
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, MC0063, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Schulte S, Decker D, Nowduri B, Gries M, Christmann A, Meyszner A, Rabe H, Saumer M, Schäfer KH. Improving morphological and functional properties of enteric neuronal networks in vitro using a novel upside-down culture approach. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G567-G582. [PMID: 38193168 PMCID: PMC11376983 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00170.2023] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) comprises millions of neurons and glia embedded in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It not only controls important functions of the gut but also interacts with the immune system, gut microbiota, and the gut-brain axis, thereby playing a key role in the health and disease of the whole organism. Any disturbance of this intricate system is mirrored in an alteration of electrical functionality, making electrophysiological methods important tools for investigating ENS-related disorders. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) provide an appropriate noninvasive approach to recording signals from multiple neurons or whole networks simultaneously. However, studying isolated cells of the ENS can be challenging, considering the limited time that these cells can be kept vital in vitro. Therefore, we developed an alternative approach cultivating cells on glass samples with spacers (fabricated by photolithography methods). The spacers allow the cells to grow upside down in a spatially confined environment while enabling acute consecutive recordings of multiple ENS cultures on the same MEA. Upside-down culture also shows beneficial effects on the growth and behavior of enteric neural cultures. The number of dead cells was significantly decreased, and neural networks showed a higher resemblance to the myenteric plexus ex vivo while producing more stable signals than cultures grown in the conventional way. Overall, our results indicate that the upside-down approach not only allows to investigate the impact of neurological diseases in vitro but could also offer insights into the growth and development of the ENS under conditions much closer to the in vivo environment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we devised a novel approach for culturing and electrophysiological recording of the enteric nervous system using custom-made glass substrates with spacers. This allows to turn cultures of isolated myenteric plexus upside down, enhancing the use of the microelectrode array technique by allowing recording of multiple cultures consecutively using only one chip. In addition, upside-down culture led to significant improvements in the culture conditions, resulting in a more in vivo-like growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Schulte
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Dominique Decker
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Bharat Nowduri
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Manuela Gries
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Anne Christmann
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Antoine Meyszner
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Holger Rabe
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Monika Saumer
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- Department of Informatics and Microsystems Technology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrücken, Germany
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Kader L, Willits A, Meriano S, Christianson JA, La JH, Feng B, Knight B, Kosova G, Deberry J, Coates M, Hyams J, Baumbauer K, Young EE. Identification of arginine-vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a/AVPR1A) as a novel candidate gene for chronic visceral pain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.19.572390. [PMID: 38187732 PMCID: PMC10769202 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Chronic abdominal pain in the absence of ongoing disease is the hallmark of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the etiology of DGBIs remains poorly understood, there is evidence that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. In this study, we report the identification and validation of Avpr1a as a novel candidate gene for visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a primary peripheral mechanism underlying abdominal pain in DGBI/IBS. Comparing two C57BL/6 (BL/6) substrains (C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J) revealed differential susceptibility to the development of chronic VH following intrarectal zymosan (ZYM) instillation, a validated preclinical model for post-inflammatory IBS. Using whole genome sequencing, we identified a SNP differentiating the two strains in the 5' intergenic region upstream of Avpr1a, encoding the protein arginine-vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A). We used behavioral, histological, and molecular approaches to identify distal colon-specific gene expression differences and neuronal hyperresponsiveness covarying with Avpr1a genotype and VH susceptibility. While the two BL/6 substrains did not differ across other gastrointestinal (GI) phenotypes (e.g., GI motility), VH-susceptible BL/6NTac mice had higher colonic Avpr1a mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, neurons of the enteric nervous system were hyperresponsive to the AVPR1A agonist AVP, suggesting a role for enteric neurons in the pathology underlying VH. These results parallel our findings that patients' colonic Avpr1a mRNA expression was higher in patients with higher pain ratings. Taken together, these findings implicate differential regulation of Avpr1a as a novel mechanism of VH-susceptibility as well as a potential therapeutic target specific to VH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Adam Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sebastian Meriano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie A. Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Bin Feng
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Brittany Knight
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | - Jennifer Deberry
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Matthew Coates
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Hyams
- Department of Gastroenterology, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT
| | - Kyle Baumbauer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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