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Cheng X, Baki VB, Moran M, Liu B, Yu J, Zhao M, Li Q, Riethoven JJ, Gurumurth CB, Harris EN, Sun X. Liver matrin-3 protects mice against hepatic steatosis and stress response via constitutive androstane receptor. Mol Metab 2024; 86:101977. [PMID: 38936659 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) continues to rise with the increasing obesity epidemic. Rezdiffra as an activator of a thyroid hormone receptor-beta is the only Food and Drug Administration approved therapy. As such, there is a critical need to improve our understanding of gene expression regulation and signaling transduction in MASLD to develop new therapies. Matrin-3 is a DNA- and RNA-binding protein involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Here we examined its previously uncharacterized role in limiting hepatic steatosis and stress response via the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). METHODS Matrin-3 floxed and liver-specific knockout mice were fed either a chow diet or 60 kcal% high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 16 weeks. The mice were euthanized for different analysis including liver histology, lipid levels, and gene expression. Bulk RNA-seq, bulk ATAC-seq, and single-nucleus Multiome were used to examine changes of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility in the liver. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of our data and publicly available datasets and different biochemical assays were performed to identify underlying the molecular mechanisms mediating matrin-3's effects. Liver-tropic adeno-associated virus was used to restore the expression of CAR for lipid, acute phase genes, and histological analysis. RESULTS Matrin-3 expression is induced in the steatotic livers of mice. Liver-specific matrin-3 deletion exacerbated HFD-induced steatosis, acute phase response, and inflammation in the liver of female mice. The transcriptome and chromatin accessibility were re-programmed in the liver of these mice with signatures indicating that CAR signaling is dysregulated. Mechanistically, matrin-3 interacts with CAR mRNA, and matrin-3 deficiency promotes CAR mRNA degradation. Consequently, matrin-3 deletion impaired CAR signaling by reducing CAR expression. Matrin-3 levels positively correlate with CAR expression in human livers. Ces2a and Il1r1 were identified as new target genes of CAR. Interestingly, we found that CAR discords with the expression of its target genes including Cyp2b10 and Ces2a in response to HFD, indicating CAR signaling is dysregulated by HFD despite increased CAR expression. Dysregulated CAR signaling upon matrin-3 deficiency reduced Ces2a and de-repressed Il1r1 expression. CAR restoration partially abrogated the dysregulated gene expression, exacerbated hepatic steatosis, acute phase response, and inflammation in liver-specific matrin-3 knockout mice fed a HFD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that matrin-3 is a key upstream regulator maintaining CAR signaling upon metabolic stress, and the matrin-3-CAR axis limits hepatic steatosis and stress response signaling that may give insights for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Vijaya Bhaskar Baki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Matthew Moran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Baolong Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 230 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922, USA
| | - Jiujiu Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 230 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922, USA
| | - Miaoyun Zhao
- Nebraska Center for Virology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Qingsheng Li
- Nebraska Center for Virology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jean-Jack Riethoven
- Nebraska Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | | | - Edward N Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, USA
| | - Xinghui Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Beadle Center, 1901 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases through Dietary Molecules, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, USA.
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Shibuya S, Watanabe K, Shimizu T. The Antioxidant PAPLAL Protects against Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Experimental Models. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38929186 PMCID: PMC11200398 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PAPLAL, a mixture of platinum (nPt) and palladium (nPd) nanoparticles, is widely used as a topical agent because of its strong antioxidant activity. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases worldwide. However, the role of oxidative stress in ACD remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of topical PAPLAL treatment on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced ACD. DNFB treatment increased 8-isoprostane content; upregulated Xdh, Nox2, and Nox4, pro-oxidant genes; and downregulated Sod1, an antioxidant gene, indicating oxidative damage in the ear skin. PAPLAL therapy significantly reduced ear thickness associated with the downregulation of inflammatory cytokine-related genes. PAPLAL also significantly increased the expression of the stress-response-related genes Ahr and Nrf2, as well as their target genes, but failed to alter the expression of redox-related genes. Furthermore, Sod1 loss worsened ACD pathologies in the ear. These results strongly suggest that PAPLAL protects against ACD through its antioxidant activity and activation of the AHR and NRF2 axes. The antioxidant PAPLAL can be used as a novel topical therapy for ACD that targets oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Aging Stress Response Research Project Team, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka-cho, Obu 474-8511, Aichi, Japan; (S.S.); (K.W.)
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Yang L, Wang S, Jin J, Wang J, Chen W, Xue Y, Sheng L, Zhai Y, Yao W. Sucralose triggers insulin resistance leading to follicular dysplasia in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108644. [PMID: 38880404 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108644] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Sucralose, the extensively utilized sweetener, might lead to metabolic disorders with prolonged consumption, but it remains uncertain if sucralose has any impact on female reproductive health. We incorporated sucralose into drinking water and observed food intake, body weight, estrous cycle, follicular development, serum hormones, and insulin sensitivity of mice. The mice did not experience any changes in their food intake or body weight after consuming sucralose. However, they displayed irregularities in the estrous cycle, marked by a reduced count of primordial, primary, and secondary follicles, coupled with a significant increase in the number of antral follicles. There was a decline in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels, while testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels surged, leading to a notable elevation in the LH / FSH ratio. Sucralose also induced insulin resistance, as evidenced by elevated insulin levels and impaired insulin tolerance, which responded to an increase in bacterial-derived serum endotoxin. By eliminating insulin resistance with rosiglitazone (RSG), eradicating intestinal flora-derived endotoxins with neomycin (NEO), or enhancing intestinal barrier function with indole-3-carbinol (I3C), the abnormalities in estrous cycle, disruptions in follicular development, hormonal imbalances and elevation in serum endotoxins induced by sucralose were successfully reversed. The present study indicates that sucralose-induced follicular dysplasia in mice is probably related to impaired intestinal permeability, infiltration of endotoxins, initiation of systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wenyue Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yun Xue
- Department of Gynecology, Nanjing Lishui District Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 211299, China
| | - Liang Sheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yongning Zhai
- Department of Gynecology, Nanjing Lishui District Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 211299, China; Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Congues F, Wang P, Lee J, Lin D, Shahid A, Xie J, Huang Y. Targeting aryl hydrocarbon receptor to prevent cancer in barrier organs. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116156. [PMID: 38518996 PMCID: PMC11144369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The skin, lung, and gut are important barrier organs that control how the body reacts to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, air pollutants, dietary components, and microorganisms. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of barrier organs. AhR was initially discovered as a receptor for environmental chemical carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Activation of AhR pathways by PAHs leads to increased DNA damage and mutations which ultimately lead to carcinogenesis. Ongoing evidence reveals an ever-expanding role of AhR. Recently, AhR has been linked to immune systems by the interaction with the development of natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, as well as the production of immunosuppressive cytokines. However, the role of AhR in carcinogenesis is not as straightforward as we initially thought. Although AhR activation has been shown to promote carcinogenesis in some studies, others suggest that it may act as a tumor suppressor. In this review, we aim to explore the role of AhR in the development of cancer that originates from barrier organs. We also examined the preclinical efficacy data of AhR agonists and antagonists on carcinogenesis to determine whether AhR modulation can be a viable option for cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francoise Congues
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; Department of Stomatology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Joshua Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Ayaz Shahid
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
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Veland N, Gleneadie HJ, Brown KE, Sardini A, Pombo J, Dimond A, Burns V, Sarkisyan K, Schiering C, Webster Z, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Bioluminescence imaging of Cyp1a1-luciferase reporter mice demonstrates prolonged activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the lung. Commun Biol 2024; 7:442. [PMID: 38600349 PMCID: PMC11006662 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06089-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling integrates biological processes that sense and respond to environmental, dietary, and metabolic challenges to ensure tissue homeostasis. AHR is a transcription factor that is inactive in the cytosol but upon encounter with ligand translocates to the nucleus and drives the expression of AHR targets, including genes of the cytochrome P4501 family of enzymes such as Cyp1a1. To dynamically visualise AHR activity in vivo, we generated reporter mice in which firefly luciferase (Fluc) was non-disruptively targeted into the endogenous Cyp1a1 locus. Exposure of these animals to FICZ, 3-MC or to dietary I3C induced strong bioluminescence signal and Cyp1a1 expression in many organs including liver, lung and intestine. Longitudinal studies revealed that AHR activity was surprisingly long-lived in the lung, with sustained Cyp1a1 expression evident in discrete populations of cells including columnar epithelia around bronchioles. Our data link diet to lung physiology and also reveal the power of bespoke Cyp1a1-Fluc reporters to longitudinally monitor AHR activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Veland
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Karen E Brown
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Joaquim Pombo
- Senescence Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Vanessa Burns
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK
| | - Karen Sarkisyan
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Chris Schiering
- Inflammation and Obesity Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Zoe Webster
- Transgenics & Embryonic Stem Cell Facility, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 OHS, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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6
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Aburto MR, Cryan JF. Gastrointestinal and brain barriers: unlocking gates of communication across the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:222-247. [PMID: 38355758 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between gut and brain has long been appreciated in health and disease, and the gut microbiota is a key player in communication between these two distant organs. Yet, the mechanisms through which the microbiota influences development and function of the gut-brain axis remain largely unknown. Barriers present in the gut and brain are specialized cellular interfaces that maintain strict homeostasis of different compartments across this axis. These barriers include the gut epithelial barrier, the blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Barriers are ideally positioned to receive and communicate gut microbial signals constituting a gateway for gut-microbiota-brain communication. In this Review, we focus on how modulation of these barriers by the gut microbiota can constitute an important channel of communication across the gut-brain axis. Moreover, barrier malfunction upon alterations in gut microbial composition could form the basis of various conditions, including often comorbid neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, we should focus on unravelling the molecular and cellular basis of this communication and move from simplistic framing as 'leaky gut'. A mechanistic understanding of gut microbiota modulation of barriers, especially during critical windows of development, could be key to understanding the aetiology of gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- María R Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Veluswamy P, Wippermann J, Wacker M. Feeding the vasculature with cruciferous vegetables: a secret for organ protection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:36. [PMID: 38388453 PMCID: PMC10884009 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Veluswamy
- Heart Surgery Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Jens Wippermann
- Heart Surgery Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Max Wacker
- Heart Surgery Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
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Loh JS, Mak WQ, Tan LKS, Ng CX, Chan HH, Yeow SH, Foo JB, Ong YS, How CW, Khaw KY. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and its therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:37. [PMID: 38360862 PMCID: PMC10869798 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is populated with a diverse microbial community. The vast genetic and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome underpins its ubiquity in nearly every aspect of human biology, including health maintenance, development, aging, and disease. The advent of new sequencing technologies and culture-independent methods has allowed researchers to move beyond correlative studies toward mechanistic explorations to shed light on microbiome-host interactions. Evidence has unveiled the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents an important regulator of glial functions, making it an actionable target to ameliorate the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. As the gut microbiome provides essential cues to microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, we examine the communications between gut microbiota and these glial cells during healthy states and neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases using a metabolite-centric approach, while also examining the role of gut microbiota-related neurotransmitters and gut hormones. Next, we examine the potential of targeting the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system to counteract glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Finally, we conclude by assessing the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough comprehension of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sheng Loh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Qi Mak
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li Kar Stella Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Hueh Yeow
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Bernier-Latmani J, González-Loyola A, Petrova TV. Mechanisms and functions of intestinal vascular specialization. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20222008. [PMID: 38051275 PMCID: PMC10697212 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20222008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal vasculature has been studied for the last 100 years, and its essential role in absorbing and distributing ingested nutrients is well known. Recently, fascinating new insights into the organization, molecular mechanisms, and functions of intestinal vessels have emerged. These include maintenance of intestinal epithelial cell function, coping with microbiota-induced inflammatory pressure, recruiting gut-specific immune cells, and crosstalk with other organs. Intestinal function is also regulated at the systemic and cellular levels, such that the postprandial hyperemic response can direct up to 30% of systemic blood to gut vessels, while micron-sized endothelial cell fenestrations are necessary for nutrient uptake. In this review, we will highlight past discoveries made about intestinal vasculature in the context of new findings of molecular mechanisms underpinning gut function. Such comprehensive understanding of the system will pave the way to breakthroughs in nutrient uptake optimization, drug delivery efficiency, and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Bernier-Latmani
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Tatiana V. Petrova
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Han Q, Yan X, Wang L, Zhang N, Zhang W, Li H, Chen W, You H, Yang A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor attenuates cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 682:259-265. [PMID: 37826949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease is defined as the bile acids (BAs) accumulation in the liver caused by impaired synthesis, and secretion, together with excretion of BAs due to a variety of factors, which, if left untreated, can result in hepatic fibrosis, cholestatic cholangitis, cholestatic cirrhosis, eventually, end-stage liver disease. Currently, modulation of BA metabolism is still a prospective therapeutic strategy for treating the cholestatic diseases. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with far-reaching effects on the chronic liver disease. However, its role and mechanism in cholestatic liver damage is still unknown. Therefore, in this work, we explored the impact of AHR on the cholestatic liver injury using AHR overexpression mediated by adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. We found that AHR is differentially expressed in different stages of cholestatic liver disease, showing either down-regulation or an increase in protective effects. Overexpression of AHR increased body weight, decreased serum total bilirubin (TBil) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), reduced porphyrin accumulation in liver tissue, and regulated the bile acid pool in the cholestatic mouse model induced by DDC diet. Overall, our data indicate that AHR attenuated cholestatic liver injury. AHR function indicates that it may have an action in the clinical management of cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Likai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong Li
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Aiting Yang
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Wang Y, Halawani D, Estill M, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Friedel RH, Zou H. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor restricts axon regeneration of DRG neurons in response to injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.04.565649. [PMID: 37961567 PMCID: PMC10635160 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.04.565649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Injured neurons sense environmental cues to balance neural protection and axon regeneration, but the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we unveil aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated bHLH-PAS transcription factor, as molecular sensor and key regulator of acute stress response at the expense of axon regeneration. We demonstrate responsiveness of DRG sensory neurons to ligand-mediated AhR signaling, which functions to inhibit axon regeneration. Ahr deletion mimics the conditioning lesion in priming DRG to initiate axonogenesis gene programs; upon peripheral axotomy, Ahr ablation suppresses inflammation and stress signaling while augmenting pro-growth pathways. Moreover, comparative transcriptomics revealed signaling interactions between AhR and HIF-1α, two structurally related bHLH-PAS α units that share the dimerization partner Arnt/HIF-1β. Functional assays showed that the growth advantage of AhR-deficient DRG neurons requires HIF-1α; but in the absence of Arnt, DRG neurons can still mount a regenerative response. We further unveil a link between bHLH-PAS transcription factors and DNA hydroxymethylation in response to peripheral axotomy, while neuronal single cell RNA-seq analysis revealed a link of the AhR regulon to RNA polymerase III regulation and integrated stress response (ISR). Altogether, AhR activation favors stress coping and inflammation at the expense of axon regeneration; targeting AhR can enhance nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Wang
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Current address: Sport Medicine Center, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dalia Halawani
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Roland H. Friedel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Hongyan Zou
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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12
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Hou JJ, Ma AH, Qin YH. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in inflammatory bowel disease: insights from gut microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1279172. [PMID: 37942478 PMCID: PMC10628454 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1279172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease that affects more than 3.5 million people, with rising prevalence. It deeply affects patients' daily life, increasing the burden on patients, families, and society. Presently, the etiology of IBD remains incompletely clarified, while emerging evidence has demonstrated that altered gut microbiota and decreased aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activity are closely associated with IBD. Furthermore, microbial metabolites are capable of AHR activation as AHR ligands, while the AHR, in turn, affects the microbiota through various pathways. In light of the complex connection among gut microbiota, the AHR, and IBD, it is urgent to review the latest research progress in this field. In this review, we describe the role of gut microbiota and AHR activation in IBD and discussed the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the AHR in the context of IBD. Taken as a whole, we propose new therapeutic strategies targeting the AHR-microbiota axis for IBD, even for other related diseases caused by AHR-microbiota dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue-Hua Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
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13
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Tat RP, Robinson CM. Maintaining a healthy balance: How endothelial AHR signaling helps regulate tissue homeostasis and protection. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1593-1594. [PMID: 37827117 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Two recent Nature papers reveal that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in endothelial cells plays a vital role in cellular quiescence and tissue homeostasis. These studies highlight the important role endothelial cells of the vasculature system play in maintaining a healthy barrier that limits inflammation and protects against invading pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P Tat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Christopher M Robinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Major J, Crotta S, Finsterbusch K, Chakravarty P, Shah K, Frederico B, D'Antuono R, Green M, Meader L, Suarez-Bonnet A, Priestnall S, Stockinger B, Wack A. Endothelial AHR activity prevents lung barrier disruption in viral infection. Nature 2023; 621:813-820. [PMID: 37587341 PMCID: PMC7615136 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the lung endothelial-epithelial cell barrier following respiratory virus infection causes cell and fluid accumulation in the air spaces and compromises vital gas exchange function1. Endothelial dysfunction can exacerbate tissue damage2,3, yet it is unclear whether the lung endothelium promotes host resistance against viral pathogens. Here we show that the environmental sensor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is highly active in lung endothelial cells and protects against influenza-induced lung vascular leakage. Loss of AHR in endothelia exacerbates lung damage and promotes the infiltration of red blood cells and leukocytes into alveolar air spaces. Moreover, barrier protection is compromised and host susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections is increased when endothelial AHR is missing. AHR engages tissue-protective transcriptional networks in endothelia, including the vasoactive apelin-APJ peptide system4, to prevent a dysplastic and apoptotic response in airway epithelial cells. Finally, we show that protective AHR signalling in lung endothelial cells is dampened by the infection itself. Maintenance of protective AHR function requires a diet enriched in naturally occurring AHR ligands, which activate disease tolerance pathways in lung endothelia to prevent tissue damage. Our findings demonstrate the importance of endothelial function in lung barrier immunity. We identify a gut-lung axis that affects lung damage following encounters with viral pathogens, linking dietary composition and intake to host fitness and inter-individual variations in disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Major
- Immunoregulation Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Laboratory of Epithelial Barrier Immunity, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Stefania Crotta
- Immunoregulation Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | - Kathleen Shah
- AhRimmunity Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Immunology Research Unit, GSK, Stevenage, UK
| | - Bruno Frederico
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Early Oncology, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mary Green
- Experimental Histopathology, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Lucy Meader
- Experimental Histopathology, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Alejandro Suarez-Bonnet
- Experimental Histopathology, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Simon Priestnall
- Experimental Histopathology, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Andreas Wack
- Immunoregulation Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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