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Ferreira FP, Pereira SS, Costa MM, Guimarães M, Albrechtsen NJW, Holst JJ, Nora M, Monteiro MP. Individuals with type 2 diabetes have higher density of small intestinal neurotensin-expressing cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2779-2787. [PMID: 36920577 PMCID: PMC10627918 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04698-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) is a gastro-intestinal hormone involved in several pathways that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis. NT was hypothesized to act in synergy with incretin hormones to potentiate its anti-diabetic effects. Additionally, circulating NT levels were shown to rise after bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. Knowledge of NT-secreting cells distribution along the small intestine and its variation according to diabetes status could provide insights on NT role in mediating type 2 diabetes (T2D) improvement after bariatric surgery. So, our aims were to characterize NT-expressing cell distribution along the human small intestine and to compare the relative density of NT-expressing cells in the small intestine of individuals with and without T2D undergoing bariatric surgery for obesity treatment. Autopsy-derived small intestine fragments (n = 30) were obtained at every 20 cm along the entire intestinal length. Additionally, jejunum biopsies (n = 29) were obtained during elective gastric bypass interventions from patients with (n = 10) or without T2D (n = 18). NT-expressing cells were identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified via computerized morphometric analysis. NT-expressing cell density increased along the human small intestine. NT-expressing cell density was significantly higher from 200 cm distal to the duodenojejunal flexure onward, as well as in subjects with T2D when compared to those without T2D. NT-expressing cell density increases along the human small gut, and a higher density is found in individuals with T2D. This finding suggests a potential role for NT in the mechanisms of disease and T2D improvement observed after bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa P Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy, UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Building 1.3, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia S Pereira
- Department of Anatomy, UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Building 1.3, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Madalena M Costa
- Department of Anatomy, UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Building 1.3, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Guimarães
- Department of Anatomy, UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Building 1.3, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro E Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mário Nora
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro E Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Department of Anatomy, UMIB-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Building 1.3, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
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Spencer NJ, Keating DJ. Role of 5-HT in the enteric nervous system and enteroendocrine cells. Br J Pharmacol 2022. [PMID: 35861711 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1950s, considerable circumstantial evidence had been presented that endogenous 5-HT (serotonin) synthesized from within the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract played an important role in GI motility and transit. However, identifying the precise functional role of gut-derived 5-HT has been difficult to ascertain, for a number of reasons. Over the past decade, as recording techniques have advanced significantly and access to new genetically modified animals improved, there have been major new insights and major changes in our understanding of the functional role of endogenous 5-HT in the GI tract. Data from many different laboratories have shown that major patterns of GI motility and transit still occur with minor or no, change when all endogenous 5-HT is pharmacologically or genetically ablated from the gut. Furthermore, antagonists of 5-HT3 receptors are equally, or more potent at inhibiting GI motility in segments of intestine that are completely depleted of endogenous 5-HT. Here, the most recent findings are discussed with regard to the functional role of endogenous 5-HT in enterochromaffin cells and enteric neurons in gut motility and more broadly in some major homeostatic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick J Spencer
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Damien J Keating
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Lyu D, Kou G, Li S, Li L, Li B, Zhou R, Yang X, Tian W, Li Y, Zuo X. Digital Spatial Profiling Reveals Functional Shift of Enterochromaffin Cell in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841090. [PMID: 35465329 PMCID: PMC9023741 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major component of the enteroendocrine system, enterochromaffin (EC) cells play a key role in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the scarcity of EC cells has limited the investigation of their function. In this study, we applied digital spatial profiling to acquire transcriptomic data for EC cells and other epithelial cells from colonoscopic biopsy samples from eight patients with UC and seven healthy controls. Differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways and coexpression networks. Results were validated using an online dataset obtained by single-cell RNA sequencing, along with immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR. In healthy participants, 10 genes were significantly enriched in EC cells, functionally concentrated in protein and bioamine synthesis. A coexpression network containing 17 hub genes, including TPH1, CHGA, and GCLC, was identified in EC cells. In patients with UC, EC cells gained increased capacity for protein synthesis, along with novel immunological functions such as antigen processing and presentation, whereas chemical sensation was downregulated. The specific expression of CHGB and RGS2 in EC cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Our results illuminate the transcriptional signatures of EC cells in the human colon. EC cells’ newly observed functional shift from sensation to secretion and immunity indicates their pivotal role in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Lyu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guanjun Kou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shiyang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lixiang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Robot Engineering Laboratory for Precise Diagnosis and Therapy of GI Tumor, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruchen Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenyu Tian
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Robot Engineering Laboratory for Precise Diagnosis and Therapy of GI Tumor, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Zuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Robot Engineering Laboratory for Precise Diagnosis and Therapy of GI Tumor, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuli Zuo,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized hormone-secreting cells that respond to both circulating and luminal cues. Collectively, EECs constitute the largest endocrine organ of the body and signal to a multitude of targets including locally to neighboring intestinal cells, enteric neurons, as well as systemically to other organs, such as the pancreas and brain. To accomplish their wide range of downstream signaling effects, EECs secrete multiple hormones; however, the mechanisms that influence EEC development in the embryo and differentiation in adults are not well defined. RECENT FINDINGS This review highlights the recent discoveries in EEC differentiation and function while also discussing newly revealed roles of transcription factors and signaling networks involved in the allocation of EEC subtypes that were discovered using a combination of novel intestinal model systems and genetic sequencing. We also discuss the potential of these new experimental models that study the mechanisms regulating EEC function and development both to uncover novel therapeutic targets. SUMMARY Several EEC hormones are being used to treat various metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Therefore, understanding the signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks that facilitate EEC formation is paramount to the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Guillermo Sanchez
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jacob R. Enriquez
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
| | - James M. Wells
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH, 45229, USA
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Louzao MC, Costas C, Abal P, Suzuki T, Watanabe R, Vilariño N, Carrera C, Boente-Juncal A, Vale C, Vieytes MR, Botana LM. Serotonin involvement in okadaic acid-induced diarrhoea in vivo. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2797-2813. [PMID: 34148100 PMCID: PMC8298366 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of contaminated shellfish with okadaic acid (OA) group of toxins leads to diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning (DSP) characterized by a set of symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. These phycotoxins are Ser/Thr phosphatase inhibitors, which produce hyperphosphorylation in cellular proteins. However, this inhibition does not fully explain the symptomatology reported and other targets could be relevant to the toxicity. Previous studies have indicated a feasible involvement of the nervous system. We performed a set of in vivo approaches to elucidate whether neuropeptide Y (NPY), Peptide YY (PYY) or serotonin (5-HT) was implicated in the early OA-induced diarrhoea. Fasted Swiss female mice were administered NPY, PYY(3-36) or cyproheptadine intraperitoneal prior to oral OA treatment (250 µg/kg). A non-significant delay in diarrhoea onset was observed for NPY (107 µg/kg) and PYY(3-36) (1 mg/kg) pre-treatment. On the contrary, the serotonin antagonist cyproheptadine was able to block (10 mg/kg) or delay (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) diarrhoea onset suggesting a role of 5-HT. This is the first report of the possible involvement of serotonin in OA-induced poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Louzao
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Celia Costas
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Paula Abal
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Toshiyuki Suzuki
- Fisheries Technology Institute, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Watanabe
- Fisheries Technology Institute, National Research and Development Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Natalia Vilariño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Cristina Carrera
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Andrea Boente-Juncal
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Carmen Vale
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Mercedes R Vieytes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis M Botana
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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6
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Kuramoto H, Koo A, Fothergill LJ, Hunne B, Yoshimura R, Kadowaki M, Furness JB. Morphologies and distributions of 5-HT containing enteroendocrine cells in the mouse large intestine. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:275-286. [PMID: 33547947 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03322-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT)-containing gastrointestinal endocrine cells contribute to regulation of numerous bodily functions, but whether these functions are related to differences in cell shape is not known. The current study identified morphologies and localization of subtypes of 5-HT-containing enteroendocrine cells in the mouse large intestine. 5-HT cells were most frequent in the proximal colon compared with cecum and distal colon. The large intestine harbored both open (O) cells, with apical processes that reached the lumen, and closed (C) cells, not contacting the lumen, classified into O1, O2, and O3 and C1, C2, and C3 cells, by the lengths of their basal processes. O1 and C1 cells, with basal processes sometimes longer that 100 µm, were most common in the distal colon. Their long basal processes ran against the inner surfaces of the mucosal epithelial cells and were strongly immunoreactive for 5-HT; these processes are ideally placed to communicate with the epithelium and to react to mechanical forces. O2 and C2 cells that had similar but shorter basal processes were also most common in the distal colon. O3 and C3 cells had no or very short basal processes. The O3 open type 5-HT cells were abundant in the proximal colon, particularly at the luminal surface, where they could release 5-HT into the lumen to act on luminal 5-HT receptors. Numerous O3 type 5-HT cells occurred in the lower (submucosal) region of the crypts in all segments and might release 5-HT to influence cell renewal in the crypt proliferative zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kuramoto
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Ada Koo
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Linda J Fothergill
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Billie Hunne
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ryoichi Yoshimura
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Makoto Kadowaki
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - John B Furness
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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7
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Inaba A, Kumaki S, Arinaga A, Tanaka K, Aihara E, Yamane T, Oishi Y, Imai H, Iwatsuki K. Generation of intestinal chemosensory cells from nonhuman primate organoids. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 536:20-25. [PMID: 33360094 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Several gastrointestinal epithelial cells are involved in taste signal transduction. Although rodent tissues are extensively used as a human gut model, recent studies show that the chemical sensing system in rodents differs from that in humans. Nonhuman primates in biomedical research are valuable animal models to advance our understanding of biological responses in humans. The 3D organoid culture produces functional gastrointestinal epithelial cells in vitro and can be generated from animal and human tissues. Here, we report the generation of intestinal chemosensory cells from nonhuman primates, macaques, using an organoid culture system. We were able to maintain macaque intestinal organoids in the proliferation medium for more than six months. Upon switching to differentiation medium, we observed a drastic change in organoid morphology and chemosensory cell marker protein expression. This switch from proliferation to differentiation was confirmed by transcriptome analysis of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum organoids. We further observed that the supplementation of culture media with interleukin (IL)-4 or the Notch inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ) accelerated terminal cell differentiation into chemosensory cells. Overall, we generated monkey intestinal organoids for the first time. These organoids are suitable for studying the function of primate chemosensory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Inaba
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan; Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kumaki
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayane Arinaga
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanaka
- Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eitaro Aihara
- Department of Pharmacology and System Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Takumi Yamane
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oishi
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Imai
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ken Iwatsuki
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.
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8
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Faniyi AA, Wijanarko KJ, Tollitt J, Worthington JJ. Helminth Sensing at the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier-A Taste of Things to Come. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1489. [PMID: 32849506 PMCID: PMC7409516 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human intestinal helminth infection affects more than 1 billion people often in the world's most deprived communities. These parasites are one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases worldwide bringing huge morbidities to the host population. Effective treatments and vaccines for helminths are currently limited, and therefore, it is essential to understand the molecular sensors that the intestinal epithelium utilizes in detecting helminths and how the responding factors produced act as modulators of immunity. Defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable helminth detection and expulsion will be critical in identifying potential therapeutic targets to alleviate disease. However, despite decades of research, we have only recently been able to identify the tuft cell as a key helminth sensor at the epithelial barrier. In this review, we will highlight the key intestinal epithelial chemosensory roles associated with the detection of intestinal helminths, summarizing the recent advances in tuft cell initiation of protective type 2 immunity. We will discuss other potential sensory roles of epithelial subsets and introduce enteroendocrine cells as potential key sensors of the microbial alterations that a helminth infection produces, which, given their direct communication to the nervous system via the recently described neuropod, have the potential to transfer the epithelial immune interface systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aduragbemi A Faniyi
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Wijanarko
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - James Tollitt
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - John J Worthington
- Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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