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Hegde SG, Devi S, Pasanna RM, Padashetty C, Shubha AM, Mukhopadhyay A, Kurpad AV. Untargeted Maternal Plasma Metabolomics in Hirschsprung Disease: A Pilot Study. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2024; 29:6-12. [PMID: 38405248 PMCID: PMC10883180 DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_134_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder of unknown etiology affecting the enteric nervous system (ENS). Since the early gestational development of the ENS is dependent on the prenatal maternal metabolic environment, the objective of this pilot study was to explore the role of specific maternal plasma metabolites in the etiology of HSCR. Methods In this cross-sectional study, postnatal (as a surrogate for prenatal) plasma samples were obtained from mothers of children diagnosed with HSCR (n = 7) and age-matched mothers of normal children (n = 6). The plasma metabolome was analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Metabolites were identified by mzCloud using Compound Discoverer software. Using an untargeted metabolomics workflow, metabolites with case versus control group differences were identified. Results A total of 268 unique plasma metabolites were identified and annotated in maternal plasma. Of these, 57 were significantly different between case and control groups (P < 0.05, t-test). Using a false discovery rate corrected cutoff of 10% to adjust for multiple comparisons, 19 metabolites were significantly different in HSCR cases, including carnitines, medium-chain fatty acids, and glutamic acid. Pathways affected were for amino acid and lipid metabolism. Conclusion Disordered prenatal metabolic pathways may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of HSCR in the developing fetus. This is the first study to assess maternal plasma metabolomics in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini G Hegde
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarita Devi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Baruhee D, Ganapathy A, Singh S, Sarwar S, Banerjee A, Bhukya S, Quadri JA, Shariff A. Morphology of human fetal enteric neurons: A comparative study of different segments of the colon. Morphologie 2023; 107:38-46. [PMID: 35764504 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) present in the wall of the gut is currently being explored because of its influence on the gut and beyond. In this context, the morphology of developing ENS has not been completely understood in humans due to lack of adequate literature. The aim of the present study was to observe the morphology of the enteric neurons in the human fetal colon and compare the findings in ascending colon a midgut derivative and descending colon a hindgut derivative at various weeks of gestation (WG). MATERIAL AND METHODS Tissue samples from 15 aborted fetuses (11 WG to 2 months postnatal) were processed for Cresyl violet, H & E staining, and NADPH Diaphorase histochemistry. The morphometric analysis was done by calculating the neuronal number density and neuronal fractional area. The Student t-test; Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The muscularis externa with two distinct layers was visible as early as 13 WG and the muscularis mucosae was first observed at 18 WG. The size of the myenteric neurons appeared to be larger with increasing weeks of gestation suggesting a process of neuronal maturation. The neuronal number density and neuronal fractional area seemed to be reduced with advancing fetal age. There was no marked difference between the ascending and sigmoid colon. At 23 and 26 WG, a mature pattern of nitrergic innervation was observed. CONCLUSION This study is done on human fetal tissue samples unlike previous studies on animal samples to comprehend the morphology of developing ENS. It will aid in understanding the effect of ENS on various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Baruhee
- Department of Obstretics and Gynaecology, ESI, PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, India
| | - A Ganapathy
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - S Singh
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - S Sarwar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - A Banerjee
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical care, Sanjay Gandhi post graduate institute, Lucknow, India
| | - S Bhukya
- Department of Anatomy, Armed forces medical college, Pune, India
| | - J A Quadri
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - A Shariff
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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3
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Ganz J, Ratcliffe EM. Who's talking to whom: microbiome-enteric nervous system interactions in early life. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G196-G206. [PMID: 36625480 PMCID: PMC9988524 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00166.2022] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and regulates important GI functions, including motility, nutrient uptake, and immune response. The development of the ENS begins during early organogenesis and continues to develop once feeding begins, with ongoing plasticity into adulthood. There has been increasing recognition that the intestinal microbiota and ENS interact during critical periods, with implications for normal development and potential disease pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on insights from mouse and zebrafish model systems to compare and contrast how each model can serve in elucidating the bidirectional communication between the ENS and the microbiome. At the end of this review, we further outline implications for human disease and highlight research innovations that can lead the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ganz
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Smolilo DJ, Hibberd TJ, Costa M, Wattchow DA, De Fontgalland D, Spencer NJ. Intrinsic sensory neurons provide direct input to motor neurons and interneurons in mouse distal colon via varicose baskets. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2033-2043. [PMID: 32003462 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Connections from intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs), to ascending motor and interneurons have been described in guinea pig colon. These mono- and polysynaptic circuits may underlie polarized motor reflexes evoked by local gut stimulation. There is a need to translate findings in guinea pig to mouse, a species increasingly used in enteric neuroscience. Here, mouse distal colon was immunolabeled for CGRP, a marker of putative IPANs. This revealed a combination of large, intensely immunofluorescent axons in myenteric plexus and circular muscle, and thinner varicose axons with less immunofluorescence. The latter formed dense, basket-like varicosity clusters (CGRP+ baskets) that enveloped myenteric nerve cell bodies. Immunolabeling after 4-5 days in organ culture caused loss of large CGRP+ axons, but not varicose CGRP+ fibers and CGRP+ baskets. Baskets were characterized further by triple labeling with CGRP, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and calretinin (CALR) antibodies. Approximately half (48%) of nerve cell bodies inside CGRP+ baskets lacked both NOS and CALR, while two overlapping populations containing NOS and/or CALR comprised the remainder. Quantitative analysis revealed CGRP+ varicosities were most abundant in baskets, followed by CALR+ varicosities, with a high degree of colocalization between the two markers. Few NOS+ varicosities occurred in baskets. Significantly higher proportions of CALR+ and CGRP+ varicosities colocalized in baskets than in circular muscle. In conclusion, CGRP+ baskets in mouse colon are formed by intrinsic enteric neurons with a neurochemical profile consistent with IPANs and have direct connections to both excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Smolilo
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Hibberd
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marcello Costa
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - David A Wattchow
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dayan De Fontgalland
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nick J Spencer
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Mukhopadhyay B, Sengupta M, Das C, Mukhopadhyay M, Barman S, Mukhopadhyay B. Immunohistochemistry-based comparative study in detection of Hirschsprung's disease in infants in a Tertiary Care Center. J Lab Physicians 2020; 9:76-80. [PMID: 28367019 PMCID: PMC5320884 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2727.199623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is the major cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction with a complex pattern of inheritance. The absence of ganglion cells along with an analysis of hypertrophy and hyperplasia of nerves in the nerve plexus of submucosa and muscularis mucosae is regarded as a potential hallmark for its diagnosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to ascertain the (1) clinical profile, (2) mode of presentation, and (3) to compare the role of calretinin immunostaining with acetylcholinesterase in the diagnosis of HD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, IPGME & R from June 2014 to May 2015. One hundred and four patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with HD underwent surgery were included in the study. The data of every patient including age, sex, and presenting symptoms were recorded. Eventually, histopathological, calretinin, and acetylcholinesterase immunohistochemical examination were done. RESULTS: Total numbers of cases studied were 104, which aged between 0 days and 365 days. Male preponderance (76.92%) was noted. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of acetylcholinesterase were 100%, 86.44%, 84.91%, and 100%, respectively. The concordance of detection of ganglion cells and nerve fibers, and thereby diagnosis of Hirschsprung's and non-HD using calretinin and the gold standard was statistically in strong agreement (κ = 0.749, 95% confidence interval: 0.635–0.863). CONCLUSIONS: Calretinin stands out as the single and indispensable tool that differentiates HD from other mimickers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moumita Sengupta
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chhanda Das
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Madhumita Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shibsankar Barman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, NilRatan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Biswanath Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Costa M, Hibberd TJ, Keightley LJ, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, Dinning PG, Brookes SJH, Spencer NJ. Neural motor complexes propagate continuously along the full length of mouse small intestine and colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G99-G108. [PMID: 31709829 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00185.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cyclical propagating waves of muscle contraction have been recorded in isolated small intestine or colon, referred to here as motor complexes (MCs). Small intestinal and colonic MCs are neurogenic, occur at similar frequencies, and propagate orally or aborally. Whether they can be coordinated between the different gut regions is unclear. Motor behavior of whole length mouse intestines, from duodenum to terminal rectum, was recorded by intraluminal multisensor catheter. Small intestinal MCs were recorded in 27/30 preparations, and colonic MCs were recorded in all preparations (n = 30) with similar frequencies (0.54 ± 0.03 and 0.58 ± 0.02 counts/min, respectively). MCs propagated across the ileo-colonic junction in 10/30 preparations, forming "full intestine" MCs. The cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine increased the probability of a full intestine MC but had no significant effect on frequency, speed, or direction. Nitric oxide synthesis blockade by Nω-nitro-l-arginine, after physostigmine, increased MC frequency in small intestine only. Hyoscine-resistant MCs were recorded in the colon but not small intestine (n = 5). All MCs were abolished by hexamethonium (n = 18) or tetrodotoxin (n = 2). The enteric neural mechanism required for motor complexes is present along the full length of both the small and large intestine. In some cases, colonic MCs can be initiated in the distal colon and propagate through the ileo-colonic junction, all the way to duodenum. In conclusion, the ileo-colonic junction provides functional neural continuity for propagating motor activity that originates in the small or large intestine.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intraluminal manometric recordings revealed motor complexes can propagate antegradely or retrogradely across the ileo-colonic junction, spanning the entire small and large intestines. The fundamental enteric neural mechanism(s) underlying cyclic motor complexes exists throughout the length of the small and large intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Costa
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy James Hibberd
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren J Keightley
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lukasz Wiklendt
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John W Arkwright
- Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Philip G Dinning
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simon J H Brookes
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nick J Spencer
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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7
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Addressing Interdisciplinary Difficulties in Developmental Biology/Mathematical Collaborations: A Neural Crest Example. Methods Mol Biol 2019. [PMID: 30977062 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9412-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Mathematical modeling can allow insight into the biological processes that can be difficult to access by conventional biological means alone. Such projects are becoming increasingly attractive with the appearance of faster and more powerful quantitative techniques in both biological data acquisition and data storage, manipulation, and presentation. However, as is frequent in interdisciplinary research, the main hurdles are not within the mindset and techniques of each discipline but are usually encountered in attempting to meld the different disciplines together. Based upon our experience in applying mathematical methods to investigate how neural crest cells interact to form the enteric nervous system, we present our views on how to pursue biomathematical modeling projects, what difficulties to expect, and how to overcome, or at least survive, these hurdles. The main advice being: persevere.
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8
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Kulkarni S, Ganz J, Bayrer J, Becker L, Bogunovic M, Rao M. Advances in Enteric Neurobiology: The "Brain" in the Gut in Health and Disease. J Neurosci 2018; 38:9346-9354. [PMID: 30381426 PMCID: PMC6209840 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1663-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a large, complex division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates many digestive, immune, hormonal, and metabolic functions. Recent advances have elucidated the dynamic nature of the mature ENS, as well as the complex, bidirectional interactions among enteric neurons, glia, and the many other cell types that are important for mediating gut behaviors. Here, we provide an overview of ENS development and maintenance, and focus on the latest insights gained from the use of novel model systems and live-imaging techniques. We discuss major advances in the understanding of enteric glia, and the functional interactions among enteric neurons, glia, and enteroendocrine cells, a large class of sensory epithelial cells. We conclude by highlighting recent work on muscularis macrophages, a group of immune cells that closely interact with the ENS in the gut wall, and the importance of neurological-immune system communication in digestive health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205,
| | - Julia Ganz
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - James Bayrer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Laren Becker
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Milena Bogunovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, and
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Roy-Carson S, Natukunda K, Chou HC, Pal N, Farris C, Schneider SQ, Kuhlman JA. Defining the transcriptomic landscape of the developing enteric nervous system and its cellular environment. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:290. [PMID: 28403821 PMCID: PMC5389105 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motility and the coordination of moving food through the gastrointestinal tract rely on a complex network of neurons known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). Despite its critical function, many of the molecular mechanisms that direct the development of the ENS and the elaboration of neural network connections remain unknown. The goal of this study was to transcriptionally identify molecular pathways and candidate genes that drive specification, differentiation and the neural circuitry of specific neural progenitors, the phox2b expressing ENS cell lineage, during normal enteric nervous system development. Because ENS development is tightly linked to its environment, the transcriptional landscape of the cellular environment of the intestine was also analyzed. RESULTS Thousands of zebrafish intestines were manually dissected from a transgenic line expressing green fluorescent protein under the phox2b regulatory elements [Tg(phox2b:EGFP) w37 ]. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to separate GFP-positive phox2b expressing ENS progenitor and derivatives from GFP-negative intestinal cells. RNA-seq was performed to obtain accurate, reproducible transcriptional profiles and the unbiased detection of low level transcripts. Analysis revealed genes and pathways that may function in ENS cell determination, genes that may be identifiers of different ENS subtypes, and genes that define the non-neural cellular microenvironment of the ENS. Differential expression analysis between the two cell populations revealed the expected neuronal nature of the phox2b expressing lineage including the enrichment for genes required for neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and identified many novel genes not previously associated with ENS development. Pathway analysis pointed to a high level of G-protein coupled pathway activation, and identified novel roles for candidate pathways such as the Nogo/Reticulon axon guidance pathway in ENS development. CONCLUSION We report the comprehensive gene expression profiles of a lineage-specific population of enteric progenitors, their derivatives, and their microenvironment during normal enteric nervous system development. Our results confirm previously implicated genes and pathways required for ENS development, and also identify scores of novel candidate genes and pathways. Thus, our dataset suggests various potential mechanisms that drive ENS development facilitating characterization and discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to improve gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Roy-Carson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Kevin Natukunda
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present Address: National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Narinder Pal
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present address: North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, 1305 State Ave, Ames, IA, 50014, USA
| | - Caitlin Farris
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Present address: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnson, IA, 50131, USA
| | - Stephan Q Schneider
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Julie A Kuhlman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,642 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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Decreased proliferative, migrative and neuro-differentiative potential of postnatal rat enteric neural crest-derived cells during culture in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2016; 343:218-222. [PMID: 27068376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence supports the potential use of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) as a cell replacement therapy for Hirschsprung's disease. Based on previous observations of robust propagation of primary ENCCs, as opposed to their progeny, it is suggested that their therapeutic potential after in vitro expansion may be restricted. We therefore examined the growth and differentiation activities and phenotypic characteristics of continuous ENCC cultures. ENCCs were isolated from the intestines of postnatal rats and were identified using an immunocytochemical approach. During continuous ENCC culture expansion, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation potentials were monitored. The Cell Counting Kit-8 was used for assessment of ENCC vitality, Transwell inserts for cell migration, immunocytochemistry for cell counts and identification, and flow cytometry for apoptosis. Over six continuous generations, ENCC proliferation potency was reduced and with prolonged culture, the ratio of migratory ENCCs was decreased. The percentage of apoptosis showed an upward trend with prolonged intragenerational culture, but showed a downward trend with prolonged culture of combined generations. Furthermore, the percentage of peripherin(+) cells decreased whilst the percentage of GFAP(+) cells increased with age. The results demonstrated that alterations in ENCC growth characteristics occur with increased culture time, which may partially account for the poor results of proposed cell therapies.
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11
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Liu Y, Jia L, Chen Y, Wang Z. Postnatal development of NADPH-d neurons in the enteric nervous system of the goat. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2010.e79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Barnes KJ, Spencer NJ. Can colonic migrating motor complexes occur in mice lacking the endothelin-3 gene? Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 42:485-95. [PMID: 25708159 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMC) are a major propulsive contraction responsible for the expulsion of faecal content. Mice with a mutation of the endothelin-3 gene raised on a 129SL background strain have ~70% colonic aganglionosis, lack CMMC, and are lethal within 12 days postpartum. In contrast, endothelin-3 mutant mice raised and maintained on a C57BL6 background strain (lethal-spotted (ls/ls) mice) can live for much longer, but it is unclear whether CMMC generation is preserved in these mice also lacking the endothelin-3 gene. The aim of this study was to determine whether CMMC exist in ls/ls mouse colon and, if so, whether their existence and frequency are related to the length of aganglionosis. Spatiotemporal mapping and mechanical recordings of colonic wall movements were made from isolated whole colons obtained from wild-type and ls/ls mice. Although ls/ls mice had a megacolon, they still generated CMMC in the ganglionic segment, which on some occasions could propagate short distances into the aganglionic region. There was large variability in aganglionosis length, which showed a weak correlation with the existence or frequency of CMMC. Interestingly, CMMC propagation velocity was slower in ls/ls mice when evoked by intraluminal fluid. A myogenic motor pattern was identified in the aganglionic region that was maintained under tonic inhibition. We show that despite megacolon, ls/ls mice still generate CMMC in the ganglionic region. These offspring have sufficient propulsive motility in the ganglionic segment to live a normal murine lifespan and rarely die of bowel obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra J Barnes
- Discipline of Human Physiology, Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Expression of the Wnt Receptor Frizzled-4 in the Human Enteric Nervous System of Infants. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:9076823. [PMID: 26697080 PMCID: PMC4677256 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9076823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system. This signalling cascade is initiated upon binding of the secreted Wnt ligand to a member of the family of frizzled receptors. In the present study, we analysed the presence of frizzled-4 in the enteric nervous system of human infants. Frizzled-4 could be identified by immunohistochemistry in a subpopulation of enteric neuronal and glial cells in the small and large intestine. Detection of frizzled-4 in the tunica muscularis by RT-PCR confirmed this receptor's expression on the mRNA level. Interestingly, we observed distinct cell populations that co-expressed frizzled-4 with the intermediate filament protein nestin and the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, which have been reported to be expressed in neural progenitor cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 60% of p75NTR positive cells of the tunica muscularis were positive for frizzled-4. Additionally, in pathological samples of Hirschsprung's disease, the expression of this Wnt receptor correlated with the number of myenteric ganglion cells and decreased from normoganglionic to aganglionic areas of large intestine. The expression pattern of frizzled-4 indicates that this Wnt receptor could be involved in postnatal development and/or function of the enteric nervous system.
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Rollo BN, Zhang D, Stamp LA, Menheniott TR, Stathopoulos L, Denham M, Dottori M, King SK, Hutson JM, Newgreen DF. Enteric Neural Cells From Hirschsprung Disease Patients Form Ganglia in Autologous Aneuronal Colon. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 2:92-109. [PMID: 28174705 PMCID: PMC4980742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is caused by failure of cells derived from the neural crest (NC) to colonize the distal bowel in early embryogenesis, resulting in absence of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and failure of intestinal transit postnatally. Treatment is by distal bowel resection, but neural cell replacement may be an alternative. We tested whether aneuronal (aganglionic) colon tissue from patients may be colonized by autologous ENS-derived cells. METHODS Cells were obtained and cryopreserved from 31 HSCR patients from the proximal resection margin of colon, and ENS cells were isolated using flow cytometry for the NC marker p75 (nine patients). Aneuronal colon tissue was obtained from the distal resection margin (23 patients). ENS cells were assessed for NC markers immunohistologically and by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and mitosis was detected by ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine labeling. The ability of human HSCR postnatal ENS-derived cells to colonize the embryonic intestine was demonstrated by organ coculture with avian embryo gut, and the ability of human postnatal HSCR aneuronal colon muscle to support ENS formation was tested by organ coculture with embryonic mouse ENS cells. Finally, the ability of HSCR patient ENS cells to colonize autologous aneuronal colon muscle tissue was assessed. RESULTS ENS-derived p75-sorted cells from patients expressed multiple NC progenitor and differentiation markers and proliferated in culture under conditions simulating Wnt signaling. In organ culture, patient ENS cells migrated appropriately in aneural quail embryo gut, and mouse embryo ENS cells rapidly spread, differentiated, and extended axons in patient aneuronal colon muscle tissue. Postnatal ENS cells derived from HSCR patients colonized autologous aneuronal colon tissue in cocultures, proliferating and differentiating as neurons and glia. CONCLUSIONS NC-lineage cells can be obtained from HSCR patient colon and can form ENS-like structures in aneuronal colonic muscle from the same patient.
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Key Words
- Aganglionosis
- CHIR-99021, 6-[2-[[4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl]amino]ethylamino]pyridine-3-carbonitrile
- Cell Therapy
- ENC, enteric neural crest
- ENS, enteric nervous system
- EdU, ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine
- Enteric Nervous System
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- GSK3, glycogen synthase kinase 3
- HNK1, human natural killer-1
- HSCR, Hirschsprung disease
- Hirschsprung Disease
- MTR, MitoTracker Red
- Megacolon
- NC, neural crest
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PFA, paraformaldehyde
- RCH, Royal Children’s Hospital
- SMA, smooth muscle actin
- SOX10, sex-determining region Y–box 10
- TUJ1, neuron-specific class III β-tubulin
- eGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein
- nNOS, neuronal nitric oxide synthase
- nTCM, neural tissue culture medium
- qRT-PCR, quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N. Rollo
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Benjamin N. Rollo, PhD, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. fax: +61-3-9348-1391.Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteThe Royal Children’s HospitalFlemington RoadParkvilleVictoria 3052Australia
| | - Dongcheng Zhang
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lincon A. Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevelyan R. Menheniott
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lefteris Stathopoulos
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Denham
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Centre for Neural Engineering, NICTA, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sebastian K. King
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John M. Hutson
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Donald F. Newgreen
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Incomplete penetrance: The role of stochasticity in developmental cell colonization. J Theor Biol 2015; 380:309-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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Isolation, expansion and transplantation of postnatal murine progenitor cells of the enteric nervous system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97792. [PMID: 24871092 PMCID: PMC4037209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem or progenitor cells have been proposed to restore gastrointestinal function in patients suffering from congenital or acquired defects of the enteric nervous system. Various, mainly embryonic cell sources have been identified for this purpose. However, immunological and ethical issues make a postnatal cell based therapy desirable. We therefore evaluated and quantified the potential of progenitor cells of the postnatal murine enteric nervous system to give rise to neurons and glial cells in vitro. Electrophysiological analysis and BrdU uptake studies provided direct evidence that generated neurons derive from expanded cells in vitro. Transplantation of isolated and expanded postnatal progenitor cells into the distal colon of adult mice demonstrated cell survival for 12 weeks (end of study). Implanted cells migrated within the gut wall and differentiated into neurons and glial cells, both of which were shown to derive from proliferated cells by BrdU uptake. This study indicates that progenitor cells isolated from the postnatal enteric nervous system might have the potential to serve as a source for a cell based therapy for neurogastrointestinal motility disorders. However, further studies are necessary to provide evidence that the generated cells are capable to positively influence the motility of the diseased gastrointestinal tract.
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17
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Juarez M, Reyes M, Coleman T, Rotenstein L, Sao S, Martinez D, Jones M, Mackelprang R, De Bellard ME. Characterization of the trunk neural crest in the bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum. J Comp Neurol 2014; 521:3303-20. [PMID: 23640803 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest is a population of mesenchymal cells that after migrating from the neural tube gives rise to structure and cell types: the jaw, part of the peripheral ganglia, and melanocytes. Although much is known about neural crest development in jawed vertebrates, a clear picture of trunk neural crest development for elasmobranchs is yet to be developed. Here we present a detailed study of trunk neural crest development in the bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum. Vital labeling with dioctadecyl tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) and in situ hybridization using cloned Sox8 and Sox9 probes demonstrated that trunk neural crest cells follow a pattern similar to the migratory paths already described in zebrafish and amphibians. We found shark trunk neural crest along the rostral side of the somites, the ventromedial pathway, the branchial arches, the gut, the sensory ganglia, and the nerves. Interestingly, C. punctatum Sox8 and Sox9 sequences aligned with vertebrate SoxE genes, but appeared to be more ancient than the corresponding vertebrate paralogs. The expression of these two SoxE genes in trunk neural crest cells, especially Sox9, matched the Sox10 migratory patterns observed in teleosts. Also of interest, we observed DiI cells and Sox9 labeling along the lateral line, suggesting that in C. punctatum, glial cells in the lateral line are likely of neural crest origin. Although this has been observed in other vertebrates, we are the first to show that the pattern is present in cartilaginous fishes. These findings demonstrate that trunk neural crest cell development in C. punctatum follows the same highly conserved migratory pattern observed in jawed vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Juarez
- Biology Department, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California 91330, USA
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18
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Zakhem E, Raghavan S, Bitar KN. Neo-innervation of a bioengineered intestinal smooth muscle construct around chitosan scaffold. Biomaterials 2013; 35:1882-9. [PMID: 24315576 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders of the gut result in disturbances in gastrointestinal transit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neo-innervation of smooth muscle in an attempt to restore lost innervation. We have previously shown the potential use of composite chitosan scaffolds as support for intestinal smooth muscle constructs. However, the constructs lacked neuronal component. Here, we bioengineered innervated colonic smooth muscle constructs using rabbit colon smooth muscle and enteric neural progenitor cells. We also bioengineered smooth muscle only tissue constructs using colonic smooth muscle cells. The constructs were placed next to each other around tubular chitosan scaffolds and left in culture. Real time force generation conducted on the intrinsically innervated smooth muscle constructs showed differentiated functional neurons. The bioengineered smooth muscle only constructs became neo-innervated. The neo-innervation results were confirmed by immunostaining assays. Chitosan supported (1) the differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the constructs and (2) the neo-innervation of non-innervated smooth muscle around the same scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Zakhem
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, United States
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, United States
| | - Khalil N Bitar
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, United States.
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19
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Fu M, Landreville S, Agapova OA, Wiley LA, Shoykhet M, Harbour JW, Heuckeroth RO. Retinoblastoma protein prevents enteric nervous system defects and intestinal pseudo-obstruction. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:5152-64. [PMID: 24177421 PMCID: PMC3859411 DOI: 10.1172/jci67653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) tumor suppressor is a critical regulator of cell cycle progression and development. To investigate the role of RB1 in neural crest-derived melanocytes, we bred mice with a floxed Rb1 allele with mice expressing Cre from the tyrosinase (Tyr) promoter. TyrCre+;Rb1fl/fl mice exhibited no melanocyte defects but died unexpectedly early with intestinal obstruction, striking defects in the enteric nervous system (ENS), and abnormal intestinal motility. Cre-induced DNA recombination occurred in all enteric glia and most small bowel myenteric neurons, yet phenotypic effects of Rb1 loss were cell-type specific. Enteric glia were twice as abundant in mutant mice compared with those in control animals, while myenteric neuron number was normal. Most myenteric neurons also appeared normal in size, but NO-producing myenteric neurons developed very large nuclei as a result of DNA replication without cell division (i.e., endoreplication). Parallel studies in vitro found that exogenous NO and Rb1 shRNA increased ENS precursor DNA replication and nuclear size. The large, irregularly shaped nuclei in NO-producing neurons were remarkably similar to those in progeria, an early-onset aging disorder that has been linked to RB1 dysfunction. These findings reveal a role for RB1 in the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Fu
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Solange Landreville
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Olga A. Agapova
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Luke A. Wiley
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael Shoykhet
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - J. William Harbour
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics and
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Department of Developmental, Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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20
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Pini Prato A, Rossi V, Mosconi M, Holm C, Lantieri F, Griseri P, Ceccherini I, Mavilio D, Jasonni V, Tuo G, Derchi M, Marasini M, Magnano G, Granata C, Ghiggeri G, Priolo E, Sposetti L, Porcu A, Buffa P, Mattioli G. A prospective observational study of associated anomalies in Hirschsprung's disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:184. [PMID: 24267509 PMCID: PMC4222065 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associated anomalies have been reported in around 20% of Hirschsprung patients but many Authors suggested a measure of underestimation. We therefore implemented a prospective observational study on 106 consecutive HSCR patients aimed at defining the percentage of associated anomalies and implementing a personalized and up-to-date diagnostic algorithm. METHODS After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 106 consecutive Hirschsprung patients admitted to our Institution between January 2010 and December 2012 were included. All families were asked to sign a specific Informed Consent form and in case of acceptance each patient underwent an advanced diagnostic algorithm, including renal ultrasound scan (US), cardiologic assessment with cardiac US, cerebral US, audiometry, ENT and ophthalmologic assessments plus further specialist evaluations based on specific clinical features. RESULTS Male to female ratio of our series of patients was 3,4:1. Aganglionosis was confined to the rectosigmoid colon (classic forms) in 74,5% of cases. We detected 112 associated anomalies in 61 (57,5%) patients. The percentage did not significantly differ according to gender or length of aganglionosis. Overall, 43,4% of patients complained ophthalmologic issues (mostly refraction anomalies), 9,4% visual impairment, 20,7% congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, 4,7% congenital heart disease, 4,7% hearing impairment or deafness, 2,3% central nervous system anomalies, 8,5% chromosomal abnormalities or syndromes and 12,3% other associated anomalies. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the underestimation of certain associated anomalies in Hirschsprung patients, such as hearing impairment and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Subsequently, based on our results we strongly suggest performing renal US and audiometry in all patients. Conversely, ophthalmologic assessment and cerebral and heart US can be performed according to guidelines applied to the general population or in case of patients with suspected clinical features or chromosomal abnormalities. This updated diagnostic algorithm aims at improving overall outcome thanks to better prognostic expectations, prevention strategies and early rehabilitation modalities. The investigation of genetic background of patients with associated anomalies might be the next step to explore this intriguing multifactorial congenital disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Pini Prato
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Rossi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
- DINOGMI, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Mosconi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Catarina Holm
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Lantieri
- Department of Health Science, Biostatistics Section, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Griseri
- UOC Medical Genetics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Jasonni
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Tuo
- Cardiovascular Department, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Derchi
- Cardiovascular Department, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Enrico Priolo
- Ophthalmology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Adelina Porcu
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Piero Buffa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Girolamo Mattioli
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini, 5, 16100 Genoa, Italy
- DINOGMI, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
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21
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Mohr R, Neckel P, Zhang Y, Stachon S, Nothelfer K, Schaeferhoff K, Obermayr F, Bonin M, Just L. Molecular and cell biological effects of 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine on progenitor cells of the enteric nervous system in vitro. Stem Cell Res 2013; 11:1191-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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22
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Harrison C, Shepherd IT. Choices choices: regulation of precursor differentiation during enteric nervous system development. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:554-62. [PMID: 23634805 PMCID: PMC4062358 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and forms a complex circuit of neurons and glia that controls the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within this circuit, there are multiple subtypes of neurons and glia. Appropriate differentiation of these various cell subtypes is vital for normal ENS and GI function. Studies of the pediatric disorder Hirschprung's Disease (HSCR) have provided a number of important insights into the mechanisms and molecules involved in ENS development; however, there are numerous other GI disorders that potentially may result from defects in development/differentiation of only a subset of ENS neurons or glia. Purpose Our understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in enteric nervous system differentiation is far from complete. Critically, it remains unclear at what point the fates of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) become committed to a specific subtype cell fate and how these cell fate choices are made. We will review our current understanding of ENS differentiation and highlight key questions that need to be addressed to gain a more complete understanding of this biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Harrison
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| | - Iain T. Shepherd
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
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23
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Kapur RP, Kennedy AJ. Histopathologic delineation of the transition zone in short-segment Hirschsprung disease. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2013; 16:252-66. [PMID: 23495711 DOI: 10.2350/12-12-1282-oa.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Failure to completely resect the transition zone (TZ) between aganglionic and neuroanatomically normal bowel ("TZ pull-through") is considered one reason for postoperative obstructive symptoms in Hirschsprung disease (HD). Despite years of study, the proximal boundary of the TZ remains nebulous, complicated by discordant, often subjective, histopathologic definitions. In order to objectively delineate the TZ, transverse sections at 1 cm intervals from the rectums of 9 non-HD autopsy subjects and resections from 15 infants with short-segment HD were immunostained with Hu (ganglion cell bodies) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) (perineurium of extrinsic nerves), and 6 putative features of TZ were examined: (1) aganglionosis of ≥1/8th circumference; (2) myenteric or submucosal hypoganglionosis; (3) hypertrophic submucosal nerves; (4) Glut1+ submucosal innervation; (5) submucosal hyperganglionosis; and (6) "ectopic" ganglia in lamina propria, muscularis propria, or serosa. In non-HD controls, Glut1+ submucosal innervation, hypertrophic nerves, partial circumferential aganglionosis, and hypoganglionosis were absent or restricted to the distal 2 cm. In contrast, all 6 neuropathologic features of TZ were identified proximal to the aganglionic segment in the majority of HD resections, but the length of the TZ ranged from 0 to 12 cm, depending on which neuropathologic feature was considered. Excluding submucosal hyperganglionosis and ectopic ganglia, the TZ was generally ≤5 cm. Many features of TZ cannot be excluded intraoperatively with a biopsy or a full-circumference frozen section. However, partial circumferential aganglionosis, severe myenteric hypoganglionosis, and hypertrophic submucosal nerves can, and probably should, be assessed in full-circumference frozen sections of the proximal resection margin, to reduce the likelihood of TZ pull-through.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj P Kapur
- Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.
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24
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Biau S, Jin S, Fan CM. Gastrointestinal defects of the Gas1 mutant involve dysregulated Hedgehog and Ret signaling. Biol Open 2012; 2:144-55. [PMID: 23429478 PMCID: PMC3575649 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20123186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract defines the digestive system and is composed of the stomach, intestine and colon. Among the major cell types lining radially along the GI tract are the epithelium, mucosa, smooth muscles and enteric neurons. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been implicated in directing various aspects of the developing GI tract, notably the mucosa and smooth muscle growth, and enteric neuron patterning, while the Ret signaling pathway is selectively required for enteric neuron migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The growth arrest specific gene 1 (Gas1) encodes a GPI-anchored membrane protein known to bind to Sonic Hh (Shh), Indian Hh (Ihh), and Ret. However, its role in the GI tract has not been examined. Here we show that the Gas1 mutant GI tract, compared to the control, is shorter, has thinner smooth muscles, and contains more enteric progenitors that are abnormally distributed. These phenotypes are similar to those of the Shh mutant, supporting that Gas1 mediates most of the Shh activity in the GI tract. Because Gas1 has been shown to inhibit Ret signaling elicited by Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), we explored whether Gas1 mutant enteric neurons displayed any alteration of Ret signaling levels. Indeed, isolated mutant enteric progenitors not only showed increased levels of phospho-Ret and its downstream effectors, phospho-Akt and phospho-Erk, but also displayed altered responses to Gdnf and Shh. We therefore conclude that phenotypes observed in the Gas1 mutant are due to a combination of reduced Hh signaling and increased Ret signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Biau
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington , 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 , USA ; 2iE Foundation, International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering , Rue de la Science, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou 01 , Burkina Faso
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25
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Thomason RT, Bader DM, Winters NI. Comprehensive timeline of mesodermal development in the quail small intestine. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1678-94. [PMID: 22930586 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To generate the mature intestine, splanchnic mesoderm diversifies into six different tissue layers each with multiple cell types through concurrent and complex morphogenetic events. Hindering the progress of research in the field is the lack of a detailed description of the fundamental morphological changes that constitute development of the intestinal mesoderm. RESULTS We used immunofluorescence and morphometric analyses of wild-type and Tg(tie1:H2B-eYFP) quail embryos to establish a comprehensive timeline of mesodermal development in the avian intestine. The following landmark features were analyzed from appearance of the intestinal primordium through generation of the definitive structure: radial compartment formation, basement membrane dynamics, mesothelial differentiation, mesenchymal expansion and growth patterns, smooth muscle differentiation, and maturation of the vasculature. In this way, structural relationships between mesodermal components were identified over time. CONCLUSIONS This integrated analysis presents a roadmap for investigators and clinicians to evaluate diverse experimental data obtained at individual stages of intestinal development within the longitudinal context of intestinal morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T Thomason
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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26
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FGF2 deficit during development leads to specific neuronal cell loss in the enteric nervous system. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:47-57. [PMID: 22955838 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1023-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The largest part of the peripheral nervous system is the enteric nervous system (ENS). It consists of an intricate network of several enteric neuronal subclasses with distinct phenotypes and functions within the gut wall. The generation of these enteric phenotypes is dependent upon appropriate neurotrophic support during development. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) play an important role in the differentiation and function of the ENS. A lack of GDNF or its receptor (Ret) causes intestinal aganglionosis in mice, while fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling antagonist is identified as regulating proteins in the GDNF/Ret signaling in the developing ENS. Primary myenteric plexus cultures and wholemount preparations of wild type (WT) and FGF2-knockout mice were used to analyze distinct enteric subpopulations. Fractal dimension (D) as a measure of self-similarity is an excellent tool to analyze complex geometric shape and was applied to classify the subclasses of enteric neurons concerning their individual morphology. As a consequence of a detailed analysis of subpopulation variations, wholemount preparations were stained for the calcium binding proteins calbindin and calretinin. The fractal analysis showed a reliable consistence of subgroups with different fractal dimensions (D) in each culture investigated. Seven different neuronal subtypes could be differentiated according to a rising D. Within the same D, the neurite length revealed significant differences between wild type and FGF2-knockout cultures, while the subclass distribution was also altered. Depending on the morphological characteristics, the reduced subgroup was supposed to be a secretomotor neuronal type, which could be confirmed by calbindin and calretinin staining of the wholemount preparations. These revealed a reduction up to 40 % of calbindin-positive neurons in the FGF2-knockout mouse. We therefore consider FGF2 playing a more important role in the fine-tuning of the ENS during development as previously assumed.
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Enteric neurons from postnatal Fgf2 knockout mice differ in neurite outgrowth responses. Auton Neurosci 2012; 170:56-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Netrin-1 in the developing enteric nervous system and colorectal cancer. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:544-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Bagyánszki M, Bódi N. Diabetes-related alterations in the enteric nervous system and its microenvironment. World J Diabetes 2012; 3:80-93. [PMID: 22645637 PMCID: PMC3360223 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v3.i5.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric intestinal symptoms common among diabetic patients are often caused by intestinal motility abnormalities related to enteric neuropathy. It has recently been demonstrated that the nitrergic subpopulation of myenteric neurons are especially susceptible to the development of diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, different susceptibility of nitrergic neurons located in different intestinal segments to diabetic damage and their different levels of responsiveness to insulin treatment have been revealed. These findings indicate the importance of the neuronal microenvironment in the pathogenesis of diabetic nitrergic neuropathy. The main focus of this review therefore was to summarize recent advances related to the diabetes-related selective nitrergic neuropathy and associated motility disturbances. Special attention was given to the findings on capillary endothelium and enteric glial cells. Growing evidence indicates that capillary endothelium adjacent to the myenteric ganglia and enteric glial cells surrounding them are determinative in establishing the ganglionic microenvironment. Additionally, recent advances in the development of new strategies to improve glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are also considered in this review. Finally, looking to the future, the recent and promising results of metagenomics for the characterization of the gut microbiome in health and disease such as diabetes are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Bagyánszki
- Mária Bagyánszki, Nikolett Bódi, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Spatial analysis of multi-species exclusion processes: application to neural crest cell migration in the embryonic gut. Bull Math Biol 2011; 74:474-90. [PMID: 22108739 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-011-9703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Hindbrain (vagal) neural crest cells become relatively uniformly distributed along the embryonic intestine during the rostral to caudal colonization wave which forms the enteric nervous system (ENS). When vagal neural crest cells are labeled before migration in avian embryos by in ovo electroporation, the distribution of labeled neural crest cells in the ENS varies vastly. In some cases, the labeled neural crest cells appear evenly distributed and interspersed with unlabeled neural crest cells along the entire intestine. However, in most specimens, labeled cells occur in relatively discrete patches of varying position, area, and cell number. To determine reasons for these differences, we use a discrete cellular automata (CA) model incorporating the underlying cellular processes of neural crest cell movement and proliferation on a growing domain, representing the elongation of the intestine during development. We use multi-species CA agents corresponding to labeled and unlabeled neural crest cells. The spatial distributions of the CA agents are quantified in terms of an index. This investigation suggests that (i) the percentage of the initial neural crest cell population that is labeled and (ii) the ratio of cell proliferation to motility are the two key parameters producing the extreme differences in spatial distributions observed in avian embryos.
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Stem cells for GI motility disorders. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2011; 11:617-23. [PMID: 22056114 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Currently available therapies for gastrointestinal motility conditions are often inadequate. Recent scientific advances, however, have facilitated the identification of neural stem cells as novel tools for cellular replenishment. Such cells can be generated from a number of tissue sources including the gut itself. Neural stem cells can readily be harvested from postnatal human gut including by conventional endoscopy, and in experimental transplantation studies appear capable of generating a neo-Enteric Nervous System. Current initiatives are addressing pre-clinical proof of concept studies in vivo utilising animal models of disease. Although definitive cell replenishment therapies for gut motility disorders appear to be an exciting and realistic prospect, even in the short-term, a number of challenges remain to be addressed before definitive clinical application.
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Oh JH, Tiwari G. Novel technique for inducing neural crest fate in embryonic stem cells (stem cells 2009;27:2896-2905). J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2011; 17:322-3. [PMID: 21860828 PMCID: PMC3155072 DOI: 10.5056/jnm.2011.17.3.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwan Oh
- Division of Gastroenterology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Hackett-Jones EJ, Landman KA, Newgreen DF, Zhang D. On the role of differential adhesion in gangliogenesis in the enteric nervous system. J Theor Biol 2011; 287:148-59. [PMID: 21816161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A defining characteristic of the normal development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is the existence of mesoscale patterned entities called ganglia. Ganglia are clusters of neurons with associated enteric neural crest (ENC) cells, which form in the simultaneously growing gut wall. At first the precursor ENC cells proliferate and gradually differentiate to produce the enteric neurons; these neurons form clusters with ENC scattered around and later lying on the periphery of neuronal clusters. By immunolabelling neural cell-cell adhesion molecules, we infer that the adhesive capacity of neurons is greater than that of ENC cells. Using a discrete mathematical model, we test the hypothesis that local rules governing differential adhesion of neuronal agents and ENC agents will produce clusters which emulate ganglia. The clusters are relatively stable, relatively uniform and small in size, of fairly uniform spacing, with a balance between the number of neuronal and ENC agents. These features are attained in both fixed and growing domains, reproducing respectively organotypic in vitro and in vivo observations. Various threshold criteria governing ENC agent proliferation and differentiation and neuronal agent inhibition of differentiation are important for sustaining these characteristics. This investigation suggests possible explanations for observations in normal and abnormal ENS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hackett-Jones
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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35
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Pini Prato A, Rossi V, Fiore M, Avanzini S, Mattioli G, Sanfilippo F, Michelazzi A, Borghini S, Disma N, Montobbio G, Barabino A, Nozza P, Ceccherini I, Gimelli S, Jasonni V. Megacystis, megacolon, and malrotation: A new syndromic association? Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:1798-802. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Heanue TA, Pachnis V. Prospective identification and isolation of enteric nervous system progenitors using Sox2. Stem Cells 2011; 29:128-40. [PMID: 21280162 PMCID: PMC3059409 DOI: 10.1002/stem.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The capacity to identify and isolate lineage-specific progenitor cells from developing and mature tissues would enable the development of cell replacement therapies for disease treatment. The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates important gut functions, including controlling peristaltic muscular contractions, and consists of interconnected ganglia containing neurons and glial cells. Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), one of the most common and best understood diseases affecting the ENS, is characterized by absence of enteric ganglia from the distal gut due to defects in gut colonization by neural crest progenitor cells and is an excellent candidate for future cell replacement therapies. Our previous microarray experiments identified the neural progenitor and stem cell marker SRY-related homoebox transcription factor 2 (Sox2) as expressed in the embryonic ENS. We now show that Sox2 is expressed in the ENS from embryonic to adult stages and constitutes a novel marker of ENS progenitor cells and their glial cell derivatives. We also show that Sox2 expression overlaps significantly with SOX10, a well-established marker of ENS progenitors and enteric glial cells. We have developed a strategy to select cells expressing Sox2, by using G418 selection on cultured gut cells derived from Sox2βgeo/+ mouse embryos, thus allowing substantial enrichment and expansion of neomycin-resistant Sox2-expressing cells. Sox2βgeo cell cultures are enriched for ENS progenitors. Following transplantation into embryonic mouse gut, Sox2βgeo cells migrate, differentiate, and colocalize with the endogenous ENS plexus. Our studies will facilitate development of cell replacement strategies in animal models, critical to develop human cell replacement therapies for HSCR. Stem Cells 2011;29:128–140
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Heanue
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
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37
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Zagorodnyuk VP, Kyloh M, Nicholas S, Peiris H, Brookes SJ, Chen BN, Spencer NJ. Loss of visceral pain following colorectal distension in an endothelin-3 deficient mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease. J Physiol 2011; 589:1691-706. [PMID: 21320883 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.202820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin peptides and their endogenous receptors play a major role in nociception in a variety of different organs. They also play an essential role in the development of the enteric nervous system. Mice with deletions of the endothelin-3 gene (lethal spotted mice, ls/ls) develop congenital aganglionosis. However, little is known about how nociception might be affected in the aganglionic rectum of mice deficient in endothelin-3. In this study we investigated changes in spinal afferent innervation and visceral pain transmission from the aganglionic rectum in ls/ls mice. Electromyogram recordings from anaesthetized ls/ls mice revealed a deficit in visceromotor responses arising from the aganglionic colorectum in response to noxious colorectal distension. Loss of visceromotor responses (VMRs) in ls/ls mice was selective, as no reduction in VMRs was detected after stimulation of the bladder or somatic organs. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivity, retrograde neuronal tracing and extracellular afferent recordings from the aganglionic rectum revealed decreased colorectal spinal innervation, combined with a reduction in mechanosensitivity of rectal afferents. The sensory defect in ls/ls mice is primarily associated with changes in low threshold wide dynamic range rectal afferents. In conclusion, disruption of endothelin 3 gene expression not only affects development and function of the enteric nervous system, but also specific classes of spinal rectal mechanoreceptors, which are required for visceral nociception from the colorectum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P Zagorodnyuk
- Discipline of Human Physiology, Flinders Medical Science and Technology Cluster, Flinders University, 5001, South Australia, Australia
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Landman KA, Fernando AE, Zhang D, Newgreen DF. Building stable chains with motile agents: Insights into the morphology of enteric neural crest cell migration. J Theor Biol 2011; 276:250-68. [PMID: 21296089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A defining characteristic of the normal development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is the existence of an enteric neural crest (ENC) cell colonization wave, where the ENC cells form stable chains often associated with axons and near the vascular network. However, within this evolving neural network, the individual ENC cell elements constantly move, change direction and appear to act independently of neighbors. Three possible hypotheses are investigated. The simplest of these postulates that the ENS follows the vascular network as a template. We present evidence which does not support this hypothesis. Two viable alternatives are either that (i) the axons muster the ENC cells, providing the pattern for the chain migration or (ii) ENC cells form chains and the axons follow these paths. These two hypotheses are explored by developing a stochastic cellular automata model, where ENC agents follow simple rules, which reflect the underlying biology of movement, proliferation and differentiation. By simulating ENC precursors and the associated neurons and axons, two models with different fundamental mechanisms are developed. From local rules, a mesoscale network pattern with lacunae emerges, which can be analyzed quantitatively. Simulation and analysis establishes the parameters that affect the morphology of the resulting network. This investigation into the axon/ENC and ENC/ENC interplay suggests possible explanations for observations in mouse and avian embryos in normal and abnormal ENS development, as well as further experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Landman
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Martínez L, Aras-López R, Lancha S, Vallejo-Cremades MT, Pederiva F, XiaoMei L, Tovar JA. Abnormal development of the enteric nervous system in rat embryos and fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Pediatr Surg Int 2011; 27:165-73. [PMID: 21069350 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-010-2788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Esophageal dilatation, gastroesophageal reflux, and intestinal obstruction have been demonstrated in CDH survivors. Abnormal esophageal and intestinal innervations were recently found in rats and babies with this disease. Our aim was to further characterize these malformations in embryos and fetal rats exposed to nitrofen. METHODS Pregnant rats received either 100 mg nitrofen or vehicle on E9.5. Fetuses were recovered at E15, E18, and E21. Sections of esophagus and small bowel were histochemically stained with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and immunostained for PGP9.5. PGP9.5 gen protein were measured on E21 and PGP9.5 mRNA on E15, E18 and E21. Comparisons between groups were made with non-parametrics tests. RESULTS Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry showed deficient innervation in all anatomical areas studied at E15, E18, and E21, and WB confirmed this decrease in E21 fetuses. PGP9.5 messenger was decreased in nitrofen-exposed animals on E18 (esophagus) or E15 (small bowel), and increased on E21 in the esophagus and E18 in small bowel. CONCLUSIONS Development of the enteric nervous system of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel is deficient in rat embryos and fetuses exposed to nitrofen. These anomalies could account in part for the long-term gastrointestinal morbidity observed in CDH survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Martínez
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
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40
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L1cam acts as a modifier gene during enteric nervous system development. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 40:622-33. [PMID: 20696247 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system is derived from neural crest cells that migrate from the caudal hindbrain and colonise the gut. Failure of neural crest cells to fully colonise the gut results in an "aganglionic zone" that lacks a functional enteric nervous system over a variable length of the distal bowel, a condition in human infants known as Hirschsprung's disease. The variability observed in the penetrance and severity of Hirschsprung's disease suggests a role for modifier genes. Clinical studies have identified a population of Hirschsprung's patients with mutations in L1CAM that also have a common polymorphism in RET, suggesting a possible interaction between L1CAM and RET. Therefore, we examined whether L1cam could interact with Ret, its ligand Gdnf, and a known transcriptional activator of Ret, Sox10. Using a two-locus complementation approach, we show that loss of L1cam in conjunction with a heterozygous loss of Ret or Gdnf did not result in aganglionosis. However, L1cam did interact with Sox10 to significantly increase the incidence of aganglionosis. We show that an interaction between L1cam and Sox10 significantly perturbs neural crest migration within the developing gut, and that neural crest cells undergo excessive cell death prior to gut entry. Finally, we show that Sox10 can regulate the expression of L1cam. Thus, L1cam can act as a modifier gene for the HSCR associated gene, Sox10, and is likely to play a role in the etiology of Hirschsprung's disease.
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The timing and location of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression determine enteric nervous system structure and function. J Neurosci 2010; 30:1523-38. [PMID: 20107080 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3861-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ret signaling is critical for formation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) because Ret activation promotes ENS precursor survival, proliferation, and migration and provides trophic support for mature enteric neurons. Although these roles are well established, we now provide evidence that increasing levels of the Ret ligand glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in mice causes alterations in ENS structure and function that are critically dependent on the time and location of increased GDNF availability. This is demonstrated using two different strains of transgenic mice and by injecting newborn mice with GDNF. Furthermore, because different subclasses of ENS precursors withdraw from the cell cycle at different times during development, increases in GDNF at specific times alter the ratio of neuronal subclasses in the mature ENS. In addition, we confirm that esophageal neurons are GDNF responsive and demonstrate that the location of GDNF production influences neuronal process projection for NADPH diaphorase-expressing, but not acetylcholinesterase-, choline acetyltransferase-, or tryptophan hydroxylase-expressing, small bowel myenteric neurons. We further demonstrate that changes in GDNF availability influence intestinal function in vitro and in vivo. Thus, changes in GDNF expression can create a wide variety of alterations in ENS structure and function and may in part contribute to human motility disorders.
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Mao J, Kim BM, Rajurkar M, Shivdasani RA, McMahon AP. Hedgehog signaling controls mesenchymal growth in the developing mammalian digestive tract. Development 2010; 137:1721-9. [PMID: 20430747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.044586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Homeostasis of the vertebrate digestive tract requires interactions between an endodermal epithelium and mesenchymal cells derived from the splanchnic mesoderm. Signaling between these two tissue layers is also crucial for patterning and growth of the developing gut. From early developmental stages, sonic hedgehog (Shh) and indian hedgehog (Ihh) are secreted by the endoderm of the mammalian gut, indicative of a developmental role. Further, misregulated hedgehog (Hh) signaling is implicated in both congenital defects and cancers arising from the gastrointestinal tract. In the mouse, only limited gastrointestinal anomalies arise following removal of either Shh or Ihh. However, given the considerable overlap in their endodermal expression domains, a functional redundancy between these signals might mask a more extensive role for Hh signaling in development of the mammalian gut. To address this possibility, we adopted a conditional approach to remove both Shh and Ihh functions from early mouse gut endoderm. Analysis of compound mutants indicates that continuous Hh signaling is dispensable for regional patterning of the gut tube, but is essential for growth of the underlying mesenchyme. Additional in vitro analysis, together with genetic gain-of-function studies, further demonstrate that Hh proteins act as paracrine mitogens to promote the expansion of adjacent mesenchymal progenitors, including those of the smooth muscle compartment. Together, these studies provide new insights into tissue interactions underlying mammalian gastrointestinal organogenesis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Mao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, LRB 405, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Hotta R, Pepdjonovic L, Anderson RB, Zhang D, Bergner AJ, Leung J, Pébay A, Young HM, Newgreen DF, Dottori M. Small-molecule induction of neural crest-like cells derived from human neural progenitors. Stem Cells 2010; 27:2896-905. [PMID: 19711454 DOI: 10.1002/stem.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) cells are stem cells that are specified within the embryonic neuroectodermal epithelium and migrate to stereotyped peripheral sites for differentiation into many cell types. Several neurocristopathies involve a deficit of NC-derived cells, raising the possibility of stem cell therapy. In Hirschsprung's disease the distal bowel lacks an enteric nervous system caused by a failure of colonization by NC-derived cells. We have developed a robust method of producing migrating NC-like cells from human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors using a coculture system of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Significantly, subsequent exposure to Y27632, a small-molecule inhibitor of the Rho effectors ROCKI/II, dramatically increased the efficiency of differentiation into NC-like cells, identified by marker expression in vitro. NC-like cells derived by this method were able to migrate along NC pathways in avian embryos in ovo and within explants of murine bowel, and to differentiate into cells with neuronal and glial markers. This is the first study to report the use of a small molecule to induce cells with NC characteristics from embryonic stem cells that can migrate and generate neurons and support cells in complex tissue. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that small-molecule regulators of ROCKI/II signaling may be valuable tools for stem cell research aimed at treatment of neurocristopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hotta
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology,, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia 3010
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Borghini S, Duca MD, Pini Prato A, Lerone M, Martucciello G, Jasonni V, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Search for pathogenetic variants of the SPRY2 gene in intestinal innervation defects. Intern Med J 2010; 39:335-7. [PMID: 19545245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.01907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SPRY2 is an inducible inhibitor of signalling mediated by tyrosine kinases receptors, whose targeting causes intestinal hyperganglionosis in mice. In this light, we have undertaken a mutational analysis of the SPRY2 gene in patients affected with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND), without detecting nucleotide changes in any of the 26 DNA samples analysed, with the exception of two already known polymorphic variants. A role of the SPRY2 gene in IND pathogenesis can be thus excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Borghini
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Zhang D, Brinas IM, Binder BJ, Landman KA, Newgreen DF. Neural crest regionalisation for enteric nervous system formation: Implications for Hirschsprung's disease and stem cell therapy. Dev Biol 2010; 339:280-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Hotta R, Anderson RB, Kobayashi K, Newgreen DF, Young HM. Effects of tissue age, presence of neurones and endothelin-3 on the ability of enteric neurone precursors to colonize recipient gut: implications for cell-based therapies. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 22:331-e86. [PMID: 19775251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most enteric neurones arise from neural crest cells that originate in the post-otic hindbrain, and migrate into and along the developing gastrointestinal tract. There is currently great interest in the possibility of cell therapy to replace diseased or absent enteric neurones in patients with enteric neuropathies, such as Hirschsprung's disease. However, it is unclear whether neural crest stem/progenitor cells will be able to colonize colon (i) in which the mesenchyme has differentiated into distinct layers, (ii) that already contains enteric neurones or (iii) that lacks a gene expressed by the gut mesenchyme, such as endothelin-3 (Et-3). METHODS Co-cultures were used to examine the ability of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) from E11.5 mouse gut to colonize a variety of recipient hindguts. KEY RESULTS Enteric neural crest-derived cells migrated and gave rise to neurones in E14.5 and E16.5 aneural colon in which the external muscle layers had differentiated, but they did not migrate as far as in younger colon. There was no evidence of altered ENCC proliferation, cell death or neuronal differentiation in older recipient explants. Enteric neural crest-derived cells failed to enter most recipient E14.5 and E16.5 colon explants already containing enteric neurones, and the few that did showed very limited migration. Finally, ENCCs migrated a shorter distance and a higher proportion expressed the pan-neuronal marker, Hu, in recipient E11.5 Et-3(-/-) colon compared to wild-type recipient colon. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Age and an absence of Et-3 from the recipient gut both significantly reduced but did not prevent ENCC migration, but the presence of neurones almost totally prevented ENCC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hotta
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Anitha M, Shahnavaz N, Qayed E, Joseph I, Gossrau G, Mwangi S, Sitaraman SV, Greene JG, Srinivasan S. BMP2 promotes differentiation of nitrergic and catecholaminergic enteric neurons through a Smad1-dependent pathway. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 298:G375-83. [PMID: 20007850 PMCID: PMC2838511 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00343.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family is a class of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) superfamily molecules that have been implicated in neuronal differentiation. We studied the effects of BMP2 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on inducing differentiation of enteric neurons and the signal transduction pathways involved. Studies were performed using a novel murine fetal enteric neuronal cell line (IM-FEN) and primary enteric neurons. Enteric neurons were cultured in the presence of vehicle, GDNF (100 ng/ml), BMP2 (10 ng/ml), or both (GDNF + BMP2), and differentiation was assessed by neurite length, markers of neuronal differentiation (neurofilament medium polypeptide and beta-III-tubulin), and neurotransmitter expression [neuropeptide Y (NPY), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and Substance P]. BMP2 increased the differentiation of enteric neurons compared with vehicle and GDNF-treated neurons (P < 0.001). BMP2 increased the expression of the mature neuronal markers (P < 0.05). BMP2 promoted differentiation of NPY-, nNOS-, and TH-expressing neurons (P < 0.001) but had no effect on the expression of cholinergic neurons (ChAT, Substance P). Neurons cultured in the presence of BMP2 have higher numbers of TH-expressing neurons after exposure to 1-methyl 4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) compared with those cultured with MPP(+) alone (P < 0.01). The Smad signal transduction pathway has been implicated in TGF-beta signaling. BMP2 induced phosphorylation of Smad1, and the effects of BMP2 on differentiation of enteric neurons were significantly reduced in the presence of Smad1 siRNA, implicating the role of Smad1 in BMP2-induced differentiation. The effects of BMP2 on catecholaminergic neurons may have therapeutic implications in gastrointestinal motility disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gudrun Gossrau
- 3Department of Neurology, Department of Anaesthesiology, Medical School, University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - James G. Greene
- 2Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia;
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Fu M, Sato Y, Lyons-Warren A, Zhang B, Kane MA, Napoli JL, Heuckeroth RO. Vitamin A facilitates enteric nervous system precursor migration by reducing Pten accumulation. Development 2010; 137:631-40. [PMID: 20110328 PMCID: PMC2827616 DOI: 10.1242/dev.040550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease is a serious disorder of enteric nervous system (ENS) development caused by the failure of ENS precursor migration into the distal bowel. We now demonstrate that retinoic acid (RA) is crucial for GDNF-induced ENS precursor migration, cell polarization and lamellipodia formation, and that vitamin A depletion causes distal bowel aganglionosis in serum retinol-binding-protein-deficient (Rbp4(-/-)) mice. Ret heterozygosity increases the incidence and severity of distal bowel aganglionosis induced by vitamin A deficiency in Rbp4(-/-) animals. Furthermore, RA reduces phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) accumulation in migrating cells, whereas Pten overexpression slows ENS precursor migration. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that vitamin A deficiency is a non-genetic risk factor that increases Hirschsprung disease penetrance and expressivity, suggesting that some cases of Hirschsprung disease might be preventable by optimizing maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yoshiharu Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ariel Lyons-Warren
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, 119 Morgan Hall, MC#3104, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Joseph L. Napoli
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, 119 Morgan Hall, MC#3104, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of HOPE Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Medhus AW, Bjørnland K, Emblem R, Husebye E. Motility of the oesophagus and small bowel in adults treated for Hirschsprung's disease during early childhood. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2010; 22:154-60, e49. [PMID: 19735477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01397.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysmotility of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been reported in children with Hirschsprung's disease (HD). In the present study, motility of the oesophagus and the small bowel was studied in adults treated for HD during early childhood to elucidate whether there are alterations in motility of the upper GI tract in this patient group. [Correction added after online publication 15 Sep: The preceding sentence has been rephrased for better clarity.] METHODS Ambulatory small bowel manometry with recording sites in duodenum/jejunum was performed in 16 adult patients with surgically treated HD and 17 healthy controls. In addition, oesophageal manometry was performed with station pull-through technique. KEY RESULTS The essential patterns of small bowel motility were recognized in all patients and controls. During fasting, phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC) was more prominent in patients with HD than in controls when accounting for duration and propagation velocity (P = 0.006). Phase I of the MMC was of shorter duration (P = 0.008), and phase II tended to be of longer duration (P = 0.05) in the patients. During daytime fasting, propagated clustered contractions (PCCs) were more frequent in the patients (P = 0.01). Postprandially, the patients demonstrated a higher contractile frequency (P = 0.02), a shorter duration of contractions (P = 0.008) and more frequent PCCs (P < 0.001). The patients had normal oesophageal motility. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES This study demonstrates that adult patients with HD have preserved essential patterns of oesophageal and small bowel motility. However, abnormalities mainly characterized by increased contractile activity of the small bowel during fasting and postprandially are evident. These findings indicate alterations in neuronal control of motility and persistent involvement of the upper GI tract in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Medhus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
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Metzger M, Bareiss PM, Danker T, Wagner S, Hennenlotter J, Guenther E, Obermayr F, Stenzl A, Koenigsrainer A, Skutella T, Just L. Expansion and differentiation of neural progenitors derived from the human adult enteric nervous system. Gastroenterology 2009; 137:2063-2073.e4. [PMID: 19549531 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Neural stem and progenitor cells from the enteric nervous system have been proposed for use in cell-based therapies against specific neurogastrointestinal disorders. Recently, enteric neural progenitors were generated from human neonatal and early postnatal (until 5 years after birth) gastrointestinal tract tissues. We investigated the proliferation and differentiation of enteric nervous system progenitors isolated from human adult gastrointestinal tract. METHODS Human enteric spheroids were generated from adult small and large intestine tissues and then expanded and differentiated, depending on the applied cell culture conditions. For implantation studies, spheres were grafted into fetal slice cultures and embryonic aganglionic hindgut explants from mice. Differentiating enteric neural progenitors were characterized by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine labeling, in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and electrophysiological studies. RESULTS The yield of human neurosphere-like bodies was increased by culture in conditional medium derived from fetal mouse enteric progenitors. We were able to generate proliferating enterospheres from adult human small or large intestine tissues; these enterospheres could be subcultured and maintained for several weeks in vitro. Spheroid-derived cells could be differentiated into a variety of neuronal subtypes and glial cells with characteristics of the enteric nervous system. Experiments involving implantation into organotypic intestinal cultures showed the differentiation capacity of neural progenitors in a 3-dimensional environment. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to isolate and expand enteric progenitor cells from human adult tissue. These findings offer new strategies for enteric stem cell research and future cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Metzger
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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