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Mandal A, Moneme C, Tewari BP, Goldstein AM, Sontheimer H, Cheng L, Moore SR, Levin D. A novel method for culturing enteric neurons generates neurospheres containing functional myenteric neuronal subtypes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 407:110144. [PMID: 38670535 PMCID: PMC11144385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of neurons, glia, and neural progenitor cells that regulate essential gastrointestinal functions. Advances in high-efficiency enteric neuron culture would facilitate discoveries surrounding ENS regulatory processes, pathophysiology, and therapeutics. NEW METHOD Development of a simple, robust, one-step method to culture murine enteric neurospheres in a 3D matrix that supports neural growth and differentiation. RESULTS Myenteric plexus cells isolated from the entire length of adult murine small intestine formed ≥3000 neurospheres within 7 days. Matrigel-embedded neurospheres exhibited abundant neural stem and progenitor cells expressing Sox2, Sox10 and Msi1 by day 4. By day 5, neural progenitor cell marker Nestin appeared in the periphery of neurospheres prior to differentiation. Neurospheres produced extensive neurons and neurites, confirmed by Tubulin beta III, PGP9.5, HuD/C, and NeuN immunofluorescence, including neural subtypes Calretinin, ChAT, and nNOS following 8 days of differentiation. Individual neurons within and external to neurospheres generated depolarization induced action potentials which were inhibited in the presence of sodium channel blocker, Tetrodotoxin. Differentiated neurospheres also contained a limited number of glia and endothelial cells. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This novel one-step neurosphere growth and differentiation culture system, in 3D format (in the presence of GDNF, EGF, and FGF2), allows for ∼2-fold increase in neurosphere count in the derivation of enteric neurons with measurable action potentials. CONCLUSION Our method describes a novel, robust 3D culture of electrophysiologically active enteric neurons from adult myenteric neural stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Mandal
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chioma Moneme
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bhanu P Tewari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lily Cheng
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sean R Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Daniel Levin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Wiese JJ, Manna S, Kühl AA, Fascì A, Elezkurtaj S, Sonnenberg E, Bubeck M, Atreya R, Becker C, Weixler B, Siegmund B, Patankar JV, Prüß MS, Schumann M. Myenteric Plexus Immune Cell Infiltrations and Neurotransmitter Expression in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2024; 18:121-133. [PMID: 37565754 PMCID: PMC10821712 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad122] [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: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pain is a cardinal symptom in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. An important structure in the transduction of pain signalling is the myenteric plexus [MP]. Nevertheless, IBD-associated infiltration of the MP by immune cells lacks in-depth characterisation. Herein, we decipher intra- and periganglionic immune cell infiltrations in Crohn´s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] and provide a comparison with murine models of colitis. METHODS Full wall specimens of surgical colon resections served to examine immune cell populations by either conventional immuno-histochemistry or immunofluorescence followed by either bright field or confocal microscopy. Results were compared with equivalent examinations in various murine models of intestinal inflammation. RESULTS Whereas the MP morphology was not significantly altered in IBD, we identified intraganglionic IBD-specific B cell- and monocyte-dominant cell infiltrations in CD. In contrast, UC-MPs were infiltrated by CD8+ T cells and revealed a higher extent of ganglionic cell apoptosis. With regard to the murine models of intestinal inflammation, the chronic dextran sulphate sodium [DSS]-induced colitis model reflected CD [and to a lesser extent UC] best, as it also showed increased monocytic infiltration as well as a modest B cell and CD8+ T cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS In CD, MPs were infiltrated by B cells and monocytes. In UC, mostly CD8+ cytotoxic T cells were found. The chronic DSS-induced colitis in the mouse model reflected best the MP-immune cell infiltrations representative for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob J Wiese
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Subhakankha Manna
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, iPATH.Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alberto Fascì
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sefer Elezkurtaj
- Institute of Pathology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Sonnenberg
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marvin Bubeck
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Faculty of Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raja Atreya
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Faculty of Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Faculty of Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weixler
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Siegmund
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jay V Patankar
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Faculty of Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Magdalena S Prüß
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin, – Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH, Charité Clinician Scientist Program, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schumann
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin, – Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH, Charité Clinician Scientist Program, 10178 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Kulkarni S, Saha M, Slosberg J, Singh A, Nagaraj S, Becker L, Zhang C, Bukowski A, Wang Z, Liu G, Leser JM, Kumar M, Bakhshi S, Anderson MJ, Lewandoski M, Vincent E, Goff LA, Pasricha PJ. Age-associated changes in lineage composition of the enteric nervous system regulate gut health and disease. eLife 2023; 12:RP88051. [PMID: 38108810 PMCID: PMC10727506 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88051] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS), a collection of neural cells contained in the wall of the gut, is of fundamental importance to gastrointestinal and systemic health. According to the prevailing paradigm, the ENS arises from progenitor cells migrating from the neural crest and remains largely unchanged thereafter. Here, we show that the lineage composition of maturing ENS changes with time, with a decline in the canonical lineage of neural-crest derived neurons and their replacement by a newly identified lineage of mesoderm-derived neurons. Single cell transcriptomics and immunochemical approaches establish a distinct expression profile of mesoderm-derived neurons. The dynamic balance between the proportions of neurons from these two different lineages in the post-natal gut is dependent on the availability of their respective trophic signals, GDNF-RET and HGF-MET. With increasing age, the mesoderm-derived neurons become the dominant form of neurons in the ENS, a change associated with significant functional effects on intestinal motility which can be reversed by GDNF supplementation. Transcriptomic analyses of human gut tissues show reduced GDNF-RET signaling in patients with intestinal dysmotility which is associated with reduction in neural crest-derived neuronal markers and concomitant increase in transcriptional patterns specific to mesoderm-derived neurons. Normal intestinal function in the adult gastrointestinal tract therefore appears to require an optimal balance between these two distinct lineages within the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Kulkarni
- Division of Gastroenterology, Dept of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonUnited States
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Monalee Saha
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jared Slosberg
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Alpana Singh
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Sushma Nagaraj
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Laren Becker
- Division of Gastroenterology, Stanford University – School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Chengxiu Zhang
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Alicia Bukowski
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Zhuolun Wang
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Guosheng Liu
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jenna M Leser
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Mithra Kumar
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Shriya Bakhshi
- Center for Neurogastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Matthew J Anderson
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteFrederickUnited States
| | - Mark Lewandoski
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteFrederickUnited States
| | - Elizabeth Vincent
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Loyal A Goff
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Kavli Neurodiscovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University – School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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Chaudhry TS, Senapati SG, Gadam S, Mannam HPSS, Voruganti HV, Abbasi Z, Abhinav T, Challa AB, Pallipamu N, Bheemisetty N, Arunachalam SP. The Impact of Microbiota on the Gut-Brain Axis: Examining the Complex Interplay and Implications. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5231. [PMID: 37629273 PMCID: PMC10455396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The association and interaction between the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS) is well established. Essentially ENS is the second brain, as we call it. We tried to understand the structure and function, to throw light on the functional aspect of neurons, and address various disease manifestations. We summarized how various neurological disorders influence the gut via the enteric nervous system and/or bring anatomical or physiological changes in the enteric nervous system or the gut and vice versa. It is known that stress has an effect on Gastrointestinal (GI) motility and causes mucosal erosions. In our literature review, we found that stress can also affect sensory perception in the central nervous system. Interestingly, we found that mutations in the neurohormone, serotonin (5-HT), would result in dysfunctional organ development and further affect mood and behavior. We focused on the developmental aspects of neurons and cognition and their relation to nutritional absorption via the gastrointestinal tract, the development of neurodegenerative disorders in relation to the alteration in gut microbiota, and contrariwise associations between CNS disorders and ENS. This paper further summarizes the synergetic relation between gastrointestinal and neuropsychological manifestations and emphasizes the need to include behavioral therapies in management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Srikanth Gadam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Hari Priya Sri Sai Mannam
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
| | - Hima Varsha Voruganti
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
| | - Zainab Abbasi
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
| | - Tushar Abhinav
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
| | | | - Namratha Pallipamu
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.G.); (N.P.)
| | - Niharika Bheemisetty
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
| | - Shivaram P. Arunachalam
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.G.); (N.P.)
- GIH Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (GAIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.P.S.S.M.); (H.V.V.); (Z.A.); (T.A.); (N.B.)
- Microwave Engineering and Imaging Laboratory (MEIL), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Wang L, Gharibani P, Yang Y, Guo Y, Yin J. Regulation of enteric nervous system via sacral nerve stimulation in opioid-induced constipated rats. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1146883. [PMID: 37332864 PMCID: PMC10272359 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1146883] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been employed for treating constipation. However, its mechanisms involving enteric nervous system (ENS) and motility are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible ENS involvement of SNS in treating Loperamide-induced constipation in rats. Methods Experiment-1 was designed to study the effects of acute SNS on whole colon transit time (CTT). In experiment-2, we induced constipation by Loperamide and then applied daily SNS or sham-SNS for 1 week. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and PGP9.5 in colon tissue were examined at the end of the study. Moreover, survival factors such as phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were measures by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot (WB). Key results (1) SNS with one set of parameters shortened CTT starting at 90 min after phenol red administration (p < 0.05). (2) While Loperamide induced slow transit constipation with a significant reduction in fecal pellet number and feces wet weight, daily SNS for a week resolved constipation. (3) Moreover, SNS was able to shorten whole gut transit time comparing to sham-SNS (p = 0.01). (4) Loperamide reduced the number of PGP9.5 and ChAT positive cells, and downregulated ChAT protein expression and upregulated nNOS protein expression, whereas these detrimental effects were significantly reversed by SNS. (5) Furthermore, SNS increased expressions of both GDNF and p-AKT in colon tissue. (6) Vagal activity was reduced following Loperamide (p < 0.01); yet SNS normalized vagal activity. Conclusion SNS with appropriate parameters improves opioid-induced constipation and reversed the detrimental effects of Loperamide on enteric neurons possibly via the GDNF-PI3K/Akt pathway.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Payam Gharibani
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yi Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jieyun Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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6
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Wang B, Fang W, Qin D, He Q, Lan C. Susceptibility of PCSK2 Polymorphism to Hirschsprung Disease in Southern Chinese Children. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2023; 16:59-64. [PMID: 37215434 PMCID: PMC10198172 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s393340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a developmental defect of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is caused by abnormal development of enteric neural crest cells. Its occurrence is caused by genetic factors and environmental factors. It has been reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 2 (PCSK2) gene are associated with HSCR. However, the correlation of HSCR in southern Chinese population is still unclear. Methods We assessed the association of rs16998727 with HSCR susceptibility in southern Chinese children using TaqMan SNP genotyping analysis of 2943 samples, including 1470 HSCR patients and 1473 controls. The association test between rs16998727 and phenotypes was performed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results We got an unexpected result, PCSK2 SNP rs16998727 was not significantly different from HSCR and its HSCR subtypes: S-HSCR (OR = 1.08, 95% IC: 0.93~1.27, P_adj = 0.3208), L-HSCR (OR = 1.07, 95% IC: 0.84~1.36, P_adj = 0.5958) and TCA (OR = 0.94, 95% IC: 0.61~1.47, P_adj = 0.8001). Conclusion In summary, we report that rs16998727 (PCSK2 and OTOR) is not associated with the risk of HSCR in southern Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtong Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenlin Fang
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dingjiang Qin
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiuming He
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoting Lan
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China
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Sharkey KA, Mawe GM. The enteric nervous system. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1487-1564. [PMID: 36521049 PMCID: PMC9970663 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all the organ systems in the body, the gastrointestinal tract is the most complicated in terms of the numbers of structures involved, each with different functions, and the numbers and types of signaling molecules utilized. The digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, and water occurs in a hostile luminal environment that contains a large and diverse microbiota. At the core of regulatory control of the digestive and defensive functions of the gastrointestinal tract is the enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex system of neurons and glia in the gut wall. In this review, we discuss 1) the intrinsic neural control of gut functions involved in digestion and 2) how the ENS interacts with the immune system, gut microbiota, and epithelium to maintain mucosal defense and barrier function. We highlight developments that have revolutionized our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of enteric neural control. These include a new understanding of the molecular architecture of the ENS, the organization and function of enteric motor circuits, and the roles of enteric glia. We explore the transduction of luminal stimuli by enteroendocrine cells, the regulation of intestinal barrier function by enteric neurons and glia, local immune control by the ENS, and the role of the gut microbiota in regulating the structure and function of the ENS. Multifunctional enteric neurons work together with enteric glial cells, macrophages, interstitial cells, and enteroendocrine cells integrating an array of signals to initiate outputs that are precisely regulated in space and time to control digestion and intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gary M Mawe
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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8
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Embryology and anatomy of Hirschsprung disease. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151227. [PMID: 36417785 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bowel has its own elegant nervous system - the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is a complex network of neurons and glial clones. Derived from neural crest cells (NCCs), this little brain controls muscle contraction, motility, and bowel activities in response to stimuli. Failure of developing enteric ganglia at the distal bowel results in intestinal obstruction and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). This Review summarises the important embryological development of the ENS including proliferation, migration, and differentiation of NCCs. We address the signalling pathways which determine NCC cell fate and discuss how they are altered in the context of HSCR. Finally, we outline the anatomical defects and the mechanisms underlying gut motility in HSCR.
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Enteric Neuromics: How High-Throughput "Omics" Deepens Our Understanding of Enteric Nervous System Genetic Architecture. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:487-504. [PMID: 36368612 PMCID: PMC9792566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent accessibility to specialized high-throughput "omics" technologies including single cell RNA sequencing allows researchers to capture cell type- and subtype-specific expression signatures. These omics methods are used in the enteric nervous system (ENS) to identify potential subtypes of enteric neurons and glia. ENS omics data support the known gene and/or protein expression of functional neuronal and glial cell subtypes and suggest expression patterns of novel subtypes. Gene and protein expression patterns can be further used to infer cellular function and implications in human disease. In this review we discuss how high-throughput "omics" data add additional depth to the understanding of established functional subtypes of ENS cells and raise new questions by suggesting novel ENS cell subtypes with unique gene and protein expression patterns. Then we investigate the changes in these expression patterns during pathology observed by omics research. Although current ENS omics studies provide a plethora of novel data and therefore answers, they equally create new questions and routes for future study.
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Schneider KM, Kim J, Bahnsen K, Heuckeroth RO, Thaiss CA. Environmental perception and control of gastrointestinal immunity by the enteric nervous system. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:989-1005. [PMID: 36208986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) forms a versatile sensory system along the gastrointestinal tract that interacts with most cell types in the bowel. Herein, we portray host-environment interactions at the intestinal mucosal surface through the lens of the enteric nervous system. We describe local cellular interactions as well as long-range circuits between the enteric, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, we discuss recently discovered mechanisms by which enteric neurons and glia respond to biotic and abiotic environmental changes and how they regulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. The enteric nervous system emerges as an integrative sensory system with manifold immunoregulatory functions under both homeostatic and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Markus Schneider
- Microbiology Department, Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Jihee Kim
- Microbiology Department, Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Microbiology Department, Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christoph A Thaiss
- Microbiology Department, Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.
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11
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Zhang Z, Li B, Jiang Q, Li Q, Pierro A, Li L. Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis: Transformative Research from Bench to Bedside. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2022; 32:383-390. [PMID: 35649434 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disease that is characterized by the absence of intrinsic ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the distal colon and is the most common cause of congenital intestinal obstruction. Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a life-threatening complication of HSCR, which can occur either before or after surgical resection of the aganglionic bowel. Even though HAEC is a leading cause of death in HSCR patients, its etiology and pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Various factors have been associated with HAEC, including the mucus barrier, microbiota, immune function, obstruction of the colon, and genetic variations. In this review, we examine our current mouse model of HAEC and how it informs our understanding of the disease. We also describe current emerging research that highlights the potential future of HAEC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Translational Medicine Program, Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Long Li
- Department of General Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, Beijing, China
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12
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Virtanen H, Garton D, Andressoo JO. Reply. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:968-969. [PMID: 35940207 PMCID: PMC9500437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heikki Virtanen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Garton
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Neurogeriatrik, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
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13
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Enhanced Cognition and Neurogenesis in miR-146b Deficient Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132002. [PMID: 35805086 PMCID: PMC9265316 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The miR-146 family consists of two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-146a and miR-146b, which are both known to suppress a variety of immune responses. Here in this study, we show that miR-146b is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells, while miR-146a is mainly expressed in microglia and astroglia of adult mice. Accordingly, miR-146b deficient (Mir146b-/-) mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors and enhanced cognition. Characterization of cellular composition of Mir146b-/- mice using flow cytometry revealed an increased number of neurons and a decreased abundancy of astroglia in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, whereas microglia abundancy remained unchanged. Immunohistochemistry showed a higher density of neurons in the frontal cortex of Mir146b-/- mice, enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis as evidenced by an increased proliferation, and survival of newly generated cells with enhanced maturation into neuronal phenotype. No microglial activation or signs of neuroinflammation were observed in Mir146b-/- mice. Further analysis demonstrated that miR-146b deficiency is associated with elevated expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) mRNA in the hippocampus, which might be at least in part responsible for the observed neuronal expansion and the behavioral phenotype. This hypothesis is partially supported by the positive correlation between performance of mice in the object recognition test and Gdnf mRNA expression in Mir146b-/- mice. Together, these results show the distinct function of miR-146b in controlling behaviors and provide new insights in understanding cell-specific function of miR-146b in the neuronal and astroglial organization of the mouse brain.
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14
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Natarajan D, McCann C, Dattani J, Pachnis V, Thapar N. Multiple Roles of Ret Signalling During Enteric Neurogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:832317. [PMID: 35694443 PMCID: PMC9186293 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.832317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of the enteric nervous system is formed by vagal neural crest cells which enter the foregut and migrate rostrocaudally to colonise the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract. Absence of enteric ganglia from the distal colon are the hallmark of Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder characterised by severe intestinal dysmotility. Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase RET have been identified in approximately 50% of familial cases of Hirschsprung disease but the cellular processes misregulated in this condition remain unclear. By lineage tracing neural crest cells in mice homozygous for a knock-in allele of Ret (Ret51/51), we demonstrate that normal activity of this receptor is required in vivo for the migration of enteric nervous system progenitors throughout the gut. In mutant mice, progenitors of enteric neurons fail to colonise the distal colon, indicating that failure of colonisation of the distal intestine is a major contributing factor for the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease. Enteric nervous system progenitors in the ganglionic proximal guts of mutant mice are also characterised by reduced proliferation and differentiation. These findings suggest that the functional abnormalities in Hirschsprung disease result from a combination of colonic aganglionosis and deficits in neuronal circuitry of more proximal gut segments. The reduced neurogenesis in the gut of Ret51/51 mutants was reproduced in the multilineage enteric nervous system progenitors isolated from these animals. Correction of the molecular defects of such progenitors fully restored their neurogenic potential in culture. These observations enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease and highlight potential approaches for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipa Natarajan
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dipa Natarajan,
| | - Conor McCann
- Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justine Dattani
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Vassilis Pachnis
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Vassilis Pachnis,
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Nikhil Thapar,
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15
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Mercau ME, Patwa S, Bhat KPL, Ghosh S, Rothlin CV. Cell death in development, maintenance, and diseases of the nervous system. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:725-738. [PMID: 35508671 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell death, be it of neurons or glial cells, marks the development of the nervous system. Albeit relatively less so than in tissues such as the gut, cell death is also a feature of nervous system homeostasis-especially in context of adult neurogenesis. Finally, cell death is commonplace in acute brain injuries, chronic neurodegenerative diseases, and in some central nervous system tumors such as glioblastoma. Recent studies are enumerating the various molecular modalities involved in the execution of cells. Intimately linked with cell death are mechanisms of disposal that remove the dead cell and bring about a tissue-level response. Heretofore, the association between these methods of dying and physiological or pathological responses has remained nebulous. It is envisioned that careful cartography of death and disposal may reveal novel understandings of disease states and chart new therapeutic strategies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Mercau
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Siraj Patwa
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krishna P L Bhat
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology-Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carla V Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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16
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Schonkeren SL, Küthe TT, Idris M, Bon-Frauches AC, Boesmans W, Melotte V. The gut brain in a dish: Murine primary enteric nervous system cell cultures. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14215. [PMID: 34236124 PMCID: PMC9285479 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an extensive neural network embedded in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract that regulates digestive function and gastrointestinal homeostasis. The ENS consists of two main cell types; enteric neurons and enteric glial cells. In vitro techniques allow simplified investigation of ENS function, and different culture methods have been developed over the years helping to understand the role of ENS cells in health and disease. PURPOSE This review focuses on summarizing and comparing available culture protocols for the generation of primary ENS cells from adult mice, including dissection of intestinal segments, enzymatic digestions, surface coatings, and culture media. In addition, the potential of human ENS cultures is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone L Schonkeren
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tara T Küthe
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Musa Idris
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana C Bon-Frauches
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Werend Boesmans
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Veerle Melotte
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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17
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New Concepts of the Interplay Between the Gut Microbiota and the Enteric Nervous System in the Control of Motility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1383:55-69. [PMID: 36587146 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05843-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Propulsive gastrointestinal (GI) motility is critical for digestive physiology and host defense. GI motility is finely regulated by the intramural reflex pathways of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is in turn regulated by luminal factors: diet and the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is a vast ecosystem of commensal bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. The gut microbiota not only regulates the motor programs of the ENS but also is critical for the normal structure and function of the ENS. In this chapter, we highlight recent research that has shed light on the microbial mechanisms of interaction with the ENS involved in the control of motility. Toll-like receptor signaling mechanisms have been shown to maintain the structural integrity of the ENS and the neurochemical phenotypes of enteric neurons, in part through the production of trophic factors including glia-derived neurotrophic factor. Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids and/or single-stranded RNA regulates the synthesis of serotonin in enterochromaffin cells, which are involved in the initiation of enteric reflexes, among other functions. Further evidence suggests a crucial role for microbial modulation of serotonin in maintaining the integrity of the ENS through enteric neurogenesis. Understanding the microbial pathways of enteric neural control sheds new light on digestive health and provides novel treatment strategies for GI motility disorders.
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18
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Enteric neuroimmune interactions coordinate intestinal responses in health and disease. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:27-39. [PMID: 34471248 PMCID: PMC8732275 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract interacts with the local immune system bidirectionally. Recent publications have demonstrated that such interactions can maintain normal GI functions during homeostasis and contribute to pathological symptoms during infection and inflammation. Infection can also induce long-term changes of the ENS resulting in the development of post-infectious GI disturbances. In this review, we discuss how the ENS can regulate and be regulated by immune responses and how such interactions control whole tissue physiology. We also address the requirements for the proper regeneration of the ENS and restoration of GI function following the resolution of infection.
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19
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Mechanistic Insight from Preclinical Models of Parkinson's Disease Could Help Redirect Clinical Trial Efforts in GDNF Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111702. [PMID: 34769132 PMCID: PMC8583859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by four pathognomonic hallmarks: (1) motor and non-motor deficits; (2) neuroinflammation and oxidative stress; (3) pathological aggregates of the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein; (4) neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal system. Recent evidence sustains that the aggregation of pathological α-syn occurs in the early stages of the disease, becoming the first trigger of neuroinflammation and subsequent neurodegeneration. Thus, a therapeutic line aims at striking back α-synucleinopathy and neuroinflammation to impede neurodegeneration. Another therapeutic line is restoring the compromised dopaminergic system using neurotrophic factors, particularly the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Preclinical studies with GDNF have provided encouraging results but often lack evaluation of anti-α-syn and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, clinical trials have yielded imprecise results and have reported the emergence of severe side effects. Here, we analyze the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical outcomes, review the mechanisms of the aggregation of pathological α-syn, including neuroinflammation, and evaluate the neurorestorative properties of GDNF, emphasizing its anti-α-syn and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical and clinical trials.
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20
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Roles of Enteric Neural Stem Cell Niche and Enteric Nervous System Development in Hirschsprung Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189659. [PMID: 34575824 PMCID: PMC8465795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is highly modulated by the synchronized interaction between the enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) and the neural stem cell niche comprising the gut microenvironment. Genetic defects dysregulating the cellular behaviour(s) of the ENCCs result in incomplete innervation and hence ENS dysfunction. Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a rare complex neurocristopathy in which the enteric neural crest-derived cells fail to colonize the distal colon. In addition to ENS defects, increasing evidence suggests that HSCR patients may have intrinsic defects in the niche impairing the extracellular matrix (ECM)-cell interaction and/or dysregulating the cellular niche factors necessary for controlling stem cell behaviour. The niche defects in patients may compromise the regenerative capacity of the stem cell-based therapy and advocate for drug- and niche-based therapies as complementary therapeutic strategies to alleviate/enhance niche-cell interaction. Here, we provide a summary of the current understandings of the role of the enteric neural stem cell niche in modulating the development of the ENS and in the pathogenesis of HSCR. Deciphering the contribution of the niche to HSCR may provide important implications to the development of regenerative medicine for HSCR.
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21
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Renko JM, Mahato AK, Visnapuu T, Valkonen K, Karelson M, Voutilainen MH, Saarma M, Tuominen RK, Sidorova YA. Neuroprotective Potential of a Small Molecule RET Agonist in Cultured Dopamine Neurons and Hemiparkinsonian Rats. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:1023-1046. [PMID: 34024778 PMCID: PMC8461720 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder where loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and dopamine depletion in the striatum cause characteristic motor symptoms. Currently, no treatment is able to halt the progression of PD. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescues degenerating dopamine neurons both in vitro and in animal models of PD. When tested in PD patients, however, the outcomes from intracranial GDNF infusion paradigms have been inconclusive, mainly due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. OBJECTIVE We have developed drug-like small molecules, named BT compounds that activate signaling through GDNF's receptor, the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase RET, both in vitro and in vivo and are able to penetrate through the blood-brain barrier. Here we evaluated the properties of BT44, a second generation RET agonist, in immortalized cells, dopamine neurons and rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. METHODS We used biochemical, immunohistochemical and behavioral methods to evaluate the effects of BT44 on dopamine system in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS BT44 selectively activated RET and intracellular pro-survival AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in immortalized cells. In primary midbrain dopamine neurons cultured in serum-deprived conditions, BT44 promoted the survival of the neurons derived from wild-type, but not from RET knockout mice. BT44 also protected cultured wild-type dopamine neurons from MPP+-induced toxicity. In a rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD, BT44 reduced motor imbalance and seemed to protect dopaminergic fibers in the striatum. CONCLUSION BT44 holds potential for further development into a novel, possibly disease-modifying, therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konsta Valkonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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22
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COUNTEN, an AI-Driven Tool for Rapid and Objective Structural Analyses of the Enteric Nervous System. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0092-21.2021. [PMID: 34266963 PMCID: PMC8328274 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0092-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of an interconnected meshwork of neurons and glia residing within the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While healthy GI function is associated with healthy ENS structure, defined by the normal distribution of neurons within ganglia of the ENS, a comprehensive understanding of normal neuronal distribution and ganglionic organization in the ENS is lacking. Current methodologies for manual enumeration of neurons parse only limited tissue regions and are prone to error, subjective bias, and peer-to-peer discordance. There is accordingly a need for robust, and objective tools that can capture and quantify enteric neurons within multiple ganglia over large areas of tissue. Here, we report on the development of an AI-driven tool, COUNTEN (COUNTing Enteric Neurons), which is capable of accurately identifying and enumerating immunolabeled enteric neurons, and objectively clustering them into ganglia. We tested and found that COUNTEN matches trained humans in its accuracy while taking a fraction of the time to complete the analyses. Finally, we use COUNTEN's accuracy and speed to identify and cluster thousands of ileal myenteric neurons into hundreds of ganglia to compute metrics that help define the normal structure of the ileal myenteric plexus. To facilitate reproducible, robust, and objective measures of ENS structure across mouse models, experiments, and institutions, COUNTEN is freely and openly available to all researchers.
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23
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Uesaka T, Okamoto M, Nagashimada M, Tsuda Y, Kihara M, Kiyonari H, Enomoto H. Enhanced enteric neurogenesis by Schwann cell precursors in mouse models of Hirschsprung disease. Glia 2021; 69:2575-2590. [PMID: 34272903 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by congenital absence of enteric neurons in distal portions of the gut. Although recent studies identified Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) as a novel cellular source of enteric neurons, it is unknown how SCPs contribute to the disease phenotype of HSCR. Using Schwann cell-specific genetic labeling, we investigated SCP-derived neurogenesis in two mouse models of HSCR; Sox10 haploinsufficient mice exhibiting distal colonic aganglionosis and Ednrb knockout mice showing small intestinal aganglionosis. We also examined Ret dependency in SCP-derived neurogenesis using mice displaying intestinal aganglionosis in which Ret expression was conditionally removed in the Schwann cell lineage. SCP-derived neurons were abundant in the transition zone lying between the ganglionated and aganglionic segments, although SCP-derived neurogenesis was scarce in the aganglionic region. In the transition zone, SCPs mainly gave rise to nitrergic neurons that are rarely observed in the SCP-derived neurons under the normal condition. Enhanced SCP-derived neurogenesis was also detected in the transition zone of mice lacking RET expression in the Schwann cell lineage. Increased SCP-derived neurogenesis in the transition zone suggests that reduction in the vagal neural crest-derived enteric neurons promotes SCP-derived neurogenesis. SCPs may adopt a neuronal subtype by responding to changes in the gut environment. Robust SCP-derived neurogenesis can occur in a Ret-independent manner, which suggests that SCPs are a cellular source to compensate for missing enteric neurons in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Uesaka
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Okamoto
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Society, Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Nagashimada
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.,Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tsuda
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Miho Kihara
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hideki Enomoto
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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24
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Li N, Koester ST, Lachance DM, Dutta M, Cui JY, Dey N. Microbiome-encoded bile acid metabolism modulates colonic transit times. iScience 2021; 24:102508. [PMID: 34142026 PMCID: PMC8188381 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut motility is regulated by the microbiome via mechanisms that include bile acid metabolism. To localize the effects of microbiome-generated bile acids, we colonized gnotobiotic mice with different synthetic gut bacterial communities that were metabolically phenotyped using a functional in vitro screen. Using two different marker-based assays of gut transit, we inferred that bile acids exert effects on colonic transit. We validated this using an intra-colonic bile acid infusion assay and determined that these effects were dependent upon signaling via the bile acid receptor, TGR5. The intra-colonic bile acid infusion experiments further revealed sex-biased bile acid-specific effects on colonic transit, with lithocholic acid having the largest pro-motility effect. Transcriptional responses of the enteric nervous system (ENS) were stereotypic, regional, and observed in response to different microbiota, their associated bile acid profiles, and even to a single diet ingredient, evidencing exquisite sensitivity of the ENS to environmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naisi Li
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean T. Koester
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel M. Lachance
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Moumita Dutta
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Neelendu Dey
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Microbiome Research Initiative, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lara-Rodarte R, Cortés D, Soriano K, Carmona F, Rocha L, Estudillo E, López-Ornelas A, Velasco I. Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Expressing GDNF Show Enhanced Dopaminergic Differentiation and Promote Behavioral Recovery After Grafting in Parkinsonian Rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661656. [PMID: 34239871 PMCID: PMC8258349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (DaNs) of the substantia nigra pars compacta and the decrease of dopamine in the brain. Grafting DaN differentiated from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been proposed as an alternative therapy for current pharmacological treatments. Intrastriatal grafting of such DaNs differentiated from mouse or human ESCs improves motor performance, restores DA release, and suppresses dopamine receptor super-sensitivity. However, a low percentage of grafted neurons survive in the brain. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a strong survival factor for DaNs. GDNF has proved to be neurotrophic for DaNs in vitro and in vivo, and induces axonal sprouting and maturation. Here, we engineered mouse ESCs to constitutively produce human GDNF, to analyze DaN differentiation and the possible neuroprotection by transgenic GDNF after toxic challenges in vitro, or after grafting differentiated DaNs into the striatum of Parkinsonian rats. GDNF overexpression throughout in vitro differentiation of mouse ESCs increases the proportion of midbrain DaNs. These transgenic cells were less sensitive than control cells to 6-hydroxydopamine in vitro. After grafting control or GDNF transgenic DaNs in hemi-Parkinsonian rats, we observed significant recoveries in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological behavioral tests, as well as increased striatal DA release, indicating that DaNs are functional in the brain. The graft volume, the number of surviving neurons, the number of DaNs present in the striatum, and the proportion of DaNs in the grafts were significantly higher in rats transplanted with GDNF-expressing cells, when compared to control cells. Interestingly, no morphological alterations in the brain of rats were found after grafting of GDNF-expressing cells. This approach is novel, because previous works have use co-grafting of DaNs with other cell types that express GDNF, or viral transduction in the host tissue before or after grafting of DaNs. In conclusion, GDNF production by mouse ESCs contributes to enhanced midbrain differentiation and permits a higher number of surviving DaNs after a 6-hydroxydopamine challenge in vitro, as well as post-grafting in the lesioned striatum. These GDNF-expressing ESCs can be useful to improve neuronal survival after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Lara-Rodarte
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular – Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Cortés
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular – Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Soriano
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular – Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francia Carmona
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Estudillo
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adolfo López-Ornelas
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular – Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular – Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía “Manuel Velasco Suárez,”Mexico City, Mexico
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Increased RET Activity Coupled with a Reduction in the RET Gene Dosage Causes Intestinal Aganglionosis in Mice. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0534-20.2021. [PMID: 33958373 PMCID: PMC8174796 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0534-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the gene encoding the RET tyrosine kinase causes Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Current consensus holds that HSCR and MTC are induced by inactivating and activating RET mutations, respectively. However, it remains unknown whether activating mutations in the RET gene have adverse effects on ENS development in vivo We addressed this issue by examining mice engineered to express RET51(C618F), an activating mutation identified in MTC patients. Although Ret51(C618F)/51(C618F) mice displayed hyperganglionosis of the ENS, Ret51(C618F)/- mice exhibited severe intestinal aganglionosis because of premature neuronal differentiation. Reduced levels of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a RET-activating neurotrophic factor, ameliorated the ENS phenotype of Ret51(C618F)/- mice, demonstrating that GDNF-mediated activation of RET51(C618F) is responsible for severe aganglionic phenotype. The RET51(C618F) allele showed genetic interaction with Ednrb gene, one of modifier genes for HSCR. These data reveal that proliferation and differentiation of ENS precursors are exquisitely controlled by both the activation levels and total dose of RET. Increased RET activity coupled with a decreased gene dosage can cause intestinal aganglionosis, a finding that provides novel insight into HSCR pathogenesis.
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Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest division of the peripheral nervous system and closely resembles components and functions of the central nervous system. Although the central role of the ENS in congenital enteric neuropathic disorders, including Hirschsprung disease and inflammatory and functional bowel diseases, is well acknowledged, its role in systemic diseases is less understood. Evidence of a disordered ENS has accumulated in neurodegenerative diseases ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis to Parkinson disease as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The ENS is a key modulator of gut barrier function and a regulator of enteric homeostasis. A 'leaky gut' represents the gateway for bacterial and toxin translocation that might initiate downstream processes. Data indicate that changes in the gut microbiome acting in concert with the individual genetic background can modify the ENS, central nervous system and the immune system, impair barrier function, and contribute to various disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or neurodegeneration. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of the ENS in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, highlighting its interaction with various key players involved in shaping the phenotypes. Finally, current flaws and pitfalls related to ENS research in addition to future perspectives are also addressed.
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Kang YN, Fung C, Vanden Berghe P. Gut innervation and enteric nervous system development: a spatial, temporal and molecular tour de force. Development 2021; 148:148/3/dev182543. [PMID: 33558316 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the gut is innervated by intrinsic (enteric) and extrinsic nerves. Focusing on mammalian ENS development, in this Review we highlight how important the different compartments of this innervation are to assure proper gut function. We specifically address the three-dimensional architecture of the innervation, paying special attention to the differences in development along the longitudinal and circumferential axes of the gut. We review recent information about the formation of both intrinsic innervation, which is fairly well-known, as well as the establishment of the extrinsic innervation, which, despite its importance in gut-brain signaling, has received much less attention. We further discuss how external microbial and nutritional cues or neuroimmune interactions may influence development of gut innervation. Finally, we provide summary tables, describing the location and function of several well-known molecules, along with some newer factors that have more recently been implicated in the development of gut innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ning Kang
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Candice Fung
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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Wright CM, Schneider S, Smith-Edwards KM, Mafra F, Leembruggen AJL, Gonzalez MV, Kothakapa DR, Anderson JB, Maguire BA, Gao T, Missall TA, Howard MJ, Bornstein JC, Davis BM, Heuckeroth RO. scRNA-Seq Reveals New Enteric Nervous System Roles for GDNF, NRTN, and TBX3. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 11:1548-1592.e1. [PMID: 33444816 PMCID: PMC8099699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Bowel function requires coordinated activity of diverse enteric neuron subtypes. Our aim was to define gene expression in these neuron subtypes to facilitate development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat devastating enteric neuropathies, and to learn more about enteric nervous system function. METHODS To identify subtype-specific genes, we performed single-nucleus RNA-seq on adult mouse and human colon myenteric plexus, and single-cell RNA-seq on E17.5 mouse ENS cells from whole bowel. We used immunohistochemistry, select mutant mice, and calcium imaging to validate and extend results. RESULTS RNA-seq on 635 adult mouse colon myenteric neurons and 707 E17.5 neurons from whole bowel defined seven adult neuron subtypes, eight E17.5 neuron subtypes and hundreds of differentially expressed genes. Manually dissected human colon myenteric plexus yielded RNA-seq data from 48 neurons, 3798 glia, 5568 smooth muscle, 377 interstitial cells of Cajal, and 2153 macrophages. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated differential expression for BNC2, PBX3, SATB1, RBFOX1, TBX2, and TBX3 in enteric neuron subtypes. Conditional Tbx3 loss reduced NOS1-expressing myenteric neurons. Differential Gfra1 and Gfra2 expression coupled with calcium imaging revealed that GDNF and neurturin acutely and differentially regulate activity of ∼50% of myenteric neurons with distinct effects on smooth muscle contractions. CONCLUSION Single cell analyses defined genes differentially expressed in myenteric neuron subtypes and new roles for TBX3, GDNF and NRTN. These data facilitate molecular diagnostic studies and novel therapeutics for bowel motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristen M Smith-Edwards
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fernanda Mafra
- Center for Applied Genomics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Michael V Gonzalez
- Center for Applied Genomics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deepika R Kothakapa
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica B Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beth A Maguire
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tao Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tricia A Missall
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Marthe J Howard
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo Health Sciences Campus, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, Abramson Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Aktar R, Parkar N, Stentz R, Baumard L, Parker A, Goldson A, Brion A, Carding S, Blackshaw A, Peiris M. Human resident gut microbe Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron regulates colonic neuronal innervation and neurogenic function. Gut Microbes 2020; 11:1745-1757. [PMID: 32515657 PMCID: PMC7524364 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1766936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As the importance of gut-brain interactions increases, understanding how specific gut microbes interact with the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is the first point of neuronal exposure becomes critical. Our aim was to understand how the dominant human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) regulates anatomical and functional characteristics of the ENS. METHODS Neuronal cell populations, as well as enteroendocrine cells, were assessed in proximal colonic sections using fluorescent immunohistochemistry in specific pathogen-free (SPF), germ-free (GF) and Bt conventionalized-germ-free mice (Bt-CONV). RNA expression of tight junction proteins and toll-like receptors (TLR) were measured using qPCR. Colonic motility was analyzed using in vitro colonic manometry. RESULTS Decreased neuronal and vagal afferent innervation observed in GF mice was normalized by Bt-CONV with increased neuronal staining in mucosa and myenteric plexus. Bt-CONV also restored expression of nitric oxide synthase expressing inhibitory neurons and of choline acetyltransferase and substance P expressing excitatory motor neurons comparable to those of SPF mice. Neurite outgrowth and glial cells were upregulated by Bt-CONV. RNA expression of tight junction protein claudin 3 was downregulated while TLR2 was upregulated by Bt-CONV. The enteroendocrine cell subtypes L-cells and enterochromaffin cells were reduced in GF mice, with Bt-CONV restoring L-cell numbers. Motility as measured by colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) increased in GF and Bt-CONV. CONCLUSION Bt, common gut bacteria, is critical in regulating enteric neuronal and enteroendocrine cell populations, and neurogenic colonic activity. This highlights the potential use of this resident gut bacteria for maintaining healthy gut function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Aktar
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nabil Parkar
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Lucas Baumard
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Simon Carding
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Madusha Peiris
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK,CONTACT Madusha Peiris Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London,LondonE1 2AT, UK
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Soret R, Schneider S, Bernas G, Christophers B, Souchkova O, Charrier B, Righini-Grunder F, Aspirot A, Landry M, Kembel SW, Faure C, Heuckeroth RO, Pilon N. Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces Enteric Neurogenesis and Improves Colon Structure and Function in Mouse Models of Hirschsprung Disease. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:1824-1838.e17. [PMID: 32687927 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a life-threatening birth defect in which the distal colon is devoid of enteric neural ganglia. HSCR is treated by surgical removal of aganglionic bowel, but many children continue to have severe problems after surgery. We studied whether administration of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induces enteric nervous system regeneration in mouse models of HSCR. METHODS We performed studies with four mouse models of HSCR: Holstein (HolTg/Tg, a model for trisomy 21-associated HSCR), TashT (TashTTg/Tg, a model for male-biased HSCR), Piebald-lethal (Ednrbs-l//s-l, a model for EDNRB mutation-associated HSCR), and Ret9/- (with aganglionosis induced by mycophenolate). Mice were given rectal enemas containing GDNF or saline (control) from postnatal days 4 through 8. We measured survival times of mice, and colon tissues were analyzed by histology, immunofluorescence, and immunoblots. Neural ganglia regeneration and structure, bowel motility, epithelial permeability, muscle thickness, and neutrophil infiltration were studied in colon tissues and in mice. Stool samples were collected, and microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Time-lapse imaging and genetic cell-lineage tracing were used to identify a source of GDNF-targeted neural progenitors. Human aganglionic colon explants from children with HSCR were cultured with GDNF and evaluated for neurogenesis. RESULTS GDNF significantly prolonged mean survival times of HolTg/Tg mice, Ednrbs-l//s-l mice, and male TashTTg/Tg mice, compared with control mice, but not Ret9/- mice (which had mycophenolate toxicity). Mice given GDNF developed neurons and glia in distal bowel tissues that were aganglionic in control mice, had a significant increase in colon motility, and had significant decreases in epithelial permeability, muscle thickness, and neutrophil density. We observed dysbiosis in fecal samples from HolTg/Tg mice compared with feces from wild-type mice; fecal microbiomes of mice given GDNF were similar to those of wild-type mice except for Bacteroides. Exogenous luminal GDNF penetrated aganglionic colon epithelium of HolTg/Tg mice, inducing production of endogenous GDNF, and new enteric neurons and glia appeared to arise from Schwann cells within extrinsic nerves. GDNF application to cultured explants of human aganglionic bowel induced proliferation of Schwann cells and formation of new neurons. CONCLUSIONS GDNF prolonged survival, induced enteric neurogenesis, and improved colon structure and function in 3 mouse models of HSCR. Application of GDNF to cultured explants of aganglionic bowel from children with HSCR induced proliferation of Schwann cells and formation of new neurons. GDNF might be developed for treatment of HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Soret
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guillaume Bernas
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Briana Christophers
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ouliana Souchkova
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Baptiste Charrier
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Franziska Righini-Grunder
- Division de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition pédiatrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ann Aspirot
- Division de chirurgie pédiatrique, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Landry
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Steven W Kembel
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christophe Faure
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition pédiatrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Popov J, Bandura J, Markovic F, Borojevic R, Anipindi VC, Pai N, Ratcliffe EM. Influence of bacterial components on the developmental programming of enteric neurons. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14611. [PMID: 33185323 PMCID: PMC7663985 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal bacteria have been increasingly shown to be involved in early postnatal development. Previous work has shown that intestinal bacteria are necessary for the structural development and intrinsic function of the enteric nervous system in early postnatal life. Furthermore, colonization with a limited number of bacteria appears to be sufficient for the formation of a normal enteric nervous system. We tested the hypothesis that common bacterial components could influence the programming of developing enteric neurons. METHODS The developmental programming of enteric neurons was studied by isolating enteric neural crest-derived cells from the fetal gut of C57Bl/6 mice at embryonic day 15.5. After the establishment of the cell line, cultured enteric neuronal precursors were exposed to increasing concentrations of a panel of bacterial components including lipopolysaccharide, flagellin, and components of peptidoglycan. KEY RESULT Exposure to bacterial components consistently affected proportions of enteric neuronal precursors that developed into nitrergic neurons. Furthermore, flagellin and D-gamma-Glu-mDAP were found to promote the development of serotonergic neurons. Proportions of dopaminergic neurons remained unchanged. Proliferation of neuronal precursor cells was significantly increased upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide and flagellin, while no significant changes were observed in the proportion of apoptotic neuronal precursors compared to baseline with exposure to any bacterial component. CONCLUSIONS AND INTERFACES These findings suggest that bacterial components may influence the development of enteric neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- McMaster Integrative Neuroscience Discovery and Study Graduate ProgramMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Julia Bandura
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Filip Markovic
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Rajka Borojevic
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research InstituteMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | - Nikhil Pai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research InstituteMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Elyanne M. Ratcliffe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research InstituteMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
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Small Molecules and Peptides Targeting Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186575. [PMID: 32911810 PMCID: PMC7554781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) are able to promote the survival of multiple neuronal populations in the body and, therefore, hold considerable promise for disease-modifying treatments of diseases and conditions caused by neurodegeneration. Available data reveal the potential of GFLs for the therapy of Parkinson's disease, neuropathic pain and diseases caused by retinal degeneration but, also, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and, possibly, Alzheimer's disease. Despite promising data collected in preclinical models, clinical translation of GFLs is yet to be conducted. The main reasons for the limited success of GFLs clinical development are the poor pharmacological characteristics of GFL proteins, such as the inability of GFLs to cross tissue barriers, poor diffusion in tissues, biphasic dose-response and activation of several receptors in the organism in different cell types, along with ethical limitations on patients' selection in clinical trials. The development of small molecules selectively targeting particular GFL receptors with improved pharmacokinetic properties can overcome many of the difficulties and limitations associated with the clinical use of GFL proteins. The current review lists several strategies to target the GFL receptor complex with drug-like molecules, discusses their advantages, provides an overview of available chemical scaffolds and peptides able to activate GFL receptors and describes the effects of these molecules in cultured cells and animal models.
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kostouros A, Koliarakis I, Natsis K, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Tsiaoussis J. Large intestine embryogenesis: Molecular pathways and related disorders (Review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:27-57. [PMID: 32319546 PMCID: PMC7255481 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The large intestine, part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), is composed of all three germ layers, namely the endoderm, the mesoderm and the ectoderm, forming the epithelium, the smooth muscle layers and the enteric nervous system, respectively. Since gastrulation, these layers develop simultaneously during embryogenesis, signaling to each other continuously until adult age. Two invaginations, the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) and the caudal/posterior intestinal portal (CIP), elongate and fuse, creating the primitive gut tube, which is then patterned along the antero‑posterior (AP) axis and the radial (RAD) axis in the context of left‑right (LR) asymmetry. These events lead to the formation of three distinct regions, the foregut, midgut and hindgut. All the above‑mentioned phenomena are under strict control from various molecular pathways, which are critical for the normal intestinal development and function. Specifically, the intestinal epithelium constitutes a constantly developing tissue, deriving from the progenitor stem cells at the bottom of the intestinal crypt. Epithelial differentiation strongly depends on the crosstalk with the adjacent mesoderm. Major molecular pathways that are implicated in the embryogenesis of the large intestine include the canonical and non‑canonical wingless‑related integration site (Wnt), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Notch and hedgehog systems. The aberrant regulation of these pathways inevitably leads to several intestinal malformation syndromes, such as atresia, stenosis, or agangliosis. Novel theories, involving the regulation and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells, suggest an embryological basis for the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the present review article summarizes the diverse roles of these molecular factors in intestinal embryogenesis and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Kostouros
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Ioannis Koliarakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Konstantinos Natsis
- Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki
| | | | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
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36
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Kruepunga N, Hikspoors JPJM, Hülsman CJM, Mommen GMC, Köhler SE, Lamers WH. Development of extrinsic innervation in the abdominal intestines of human embryos. J Anat 2020; 237:655-671. [PMID: 32598482 PMCID: PMC7495293 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to the intrinsic enteric nervous system (ENS), development of the extrinsic ENS is poorly documented, even though its presence is easily detectable with histological techniques. We visualised its development in human embryos and foetuses of 4–9.5 weeks post‐fertilisation using Amira 3D‐reconstruction and Cinema 4D‐remodelling software. The extrinsic ENS originated from small, basophilic neural crest cells (NCCs) that migrated to the para‐aortic region and then continued ventrally to the pre‐aortic region, where they formed autonomic pre‐aortic plexuses. From here, nerve fibres extended along the ventral abdominal arteries and finally connected to the intrinsic system. Schwann cell precursors (SCPs), a subgroup of NCCs that migrate on nerve fibres, showed region‐specific differences in differentiation. SCPs developed into scattered chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla dorsolateral to the coeliac artery (CA) and into more tightly packed chromaffin cells of the para‐aortic bodies ventrolateral to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), with reciprocal topographic gradients between both fates. The extrinsic ENS first extended along the CA and then along the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and IMA 5 days later. Apart from the branch to the caecum, extrinsic nerves did not extend along SMA branches in the herniated parts of the midgut until the gut loops had returned in the abdominal cavity, suggesting a permissive role of the intraperitoneal environment. Accordingly, extrinsic innervation had not yet reached the distal (colonic) loop of the midgut at 9.5 weeks development. Based on intrinsic ENS‐dependent architectural remodelling of the gut layers, extrinsic innervation followed intrinsic innervation 3–4 Carnegie stages later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutmethee Kruepunga
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jill P J M Hikspoors
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy J M Hülsman
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Greet M C Mommen
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S Eleonore Köhler
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter H Lamers
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Enteric nervous system: sensory transduction, neural circuits and gastrointestinal motility. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:338-351. [PMID: 32152479 PMCID: PMC7474470 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-0271-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the only internal organ to have evolved with its own independent nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). This Review provides an update on advances that have been made in our understanding of how neurons within the ENS coordinate sensory and motor functions. Understanding this function is critical for determining how deficits in neurogenic motor patterns arise. Knowledge of how distension or chemical stimulation of the bowel evokes sensory responses in the ENS and central nervous system have progressed, including critical elements that underlie the mechanotransduction of distension-evoked colonic peristalsis. Contrary to original thought, evidence suggests that mucosal serotonin is not required for peristalsis or colonic migrating motor complexes, although it can modulate their characteristics. Chemosensory stimuli applied to the lumen can release substances from enteroendocrine cells, which could subsequently modulate ENS activity. Advances have been made in optogenetic technologies, such that specific neurochemical classes of enteric neurons can be stimulated. A major focus of this Review will be the latest advances in our understanding of how intrinsic sensory neurons in the ENS detect and respond to sensory stimuli and how these mechanisms differ from extrinsic sensory nerve endings in the gut that underlie the gut-brain axis.
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Nakatani T, Iwasaki M, Yamamichi A, Yoshioka Y, Uesaka T, Bitoh Y, Maeda K, Fukumoto T, Takemoto T, Enomoto H. Point mutagenesis in mouse reveals contrasting pathogenetic effects between MEN2B‐ and Hirschsprung disease‐associated missense mutations of the
RET
gene. Dev Growth Differ 2020; 62:214-222. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Nakatani
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Iwasaki
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Yamamichi
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Yuta Yoshioka
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Toshihiro Uesaka
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Yuko Bitoh
- Division of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Kosaku Maeda
- Department of Surgery Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital Kobe Japan
| | - Takumi Fukumoto
- Division of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takemoto
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Hideki Enomoto
- Division for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration Department of Physiology and Cell Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
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Chalazonitis A, Li Z, Pham TD, Chen J, Rao M, Lindholm P, Saarma M, Lindahl M, Gershon MD. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor is essential for enteric neuronal development, maintenance, and regulation of gastrointestinal transit. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2420-2444. [PMID: 32154930 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is expressed in the brain and is neuroprotective. We have previously shown that CDNF is also expressed in the bowel and that its absence leads to degeneration and autophagy in the enteric nervous system (ENS), particularly in the submucosal plexus. We now demonstrate that enteric CDNF immunoreactivity is restricted to neurons (submucosal > myenteric) and is not seen in glia, interstitial cells of Cajal, or smooth muscle. Expression of CDNF, moreover, is essential for the normal development and survival of enteric dopaminergic neurons; thus, expression of the dopaminergic neuronal markers, dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine transporter are deficient in the ileum of Cdnf -/- mice. The normal age-related decline in proportions of submucosal dopaminergic neurons is exacerbated in Cdnf -/- animals. The defect in Cdnf -/- animals is not dopamine-restricted; proportions of other submucosal neurons (NOS-, GABA-, and CGRP-expressing), are also deficient. The deficits in submucosal neurons are reflected functionally in delayed gastric emptying, slowed colonic motility, and prolonged total gastrointestinal transit. CDNF is expressed selectively in isolated enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDC), which also express the dopamine-related transcription factor Foxa2. Addition of CDNF to ENCDC promotes development of dopaminergic neurons; moreover, survival of these neurons becomes CDNF-dependent after exposure to bone morphogenetic protein 4. The effects of neither glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) nor serotonin are additive with CDNF. We suggest that CDNF plays a critical role in development and long-term maintenance of dopaminergic and other sets of submucosal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alcmène Chalazonitis
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - ZhiShan Li
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Tuan D Pham
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Jason Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Päivi Lindholm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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40
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Ma WR, Xu P, Liu ZJ, Zhou J, Gu LK, Zhang J, Deng DJ. Impact of GFRA1 gene reactivation by DNA demethylation on prognosis of patients with metastatic colon cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:184-198. [PMID: 31988584 PMCID: PMC6962434 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i2.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of the membrane receptor protein GFRA1 is frequently upregulated in many cancers, which can promote cancer development by activating the classic RET-RAS-ERK and RET-RAS-PI3K-AKT pathways. Several therapeutic anti-GFRA1 antibody-drug conjugates are under development. Demethylation (or hypomethylation) of GFRA1 CpG islands (dmGFRA1) is associated with increased gene expression and metastasis risk of gastric cancer. However, it is unknown whether dmGFRA1 affects the metastasis of other cancers, including colon cancer (CC).
AIM To study whether dmGFRA1 is a driver for CC metastasis and GFRA1 is a potential therapeutic target.
METHODS CC and paired surgical margin tissue samples from 144 inpatients and normal colon mucosal biopsies from 21 noncancer patients were included in this study. The methylation status of GFRA1 islands was determined by MethyLight and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and bisulfite-sequencing. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to explore the effect of dmGFRA1 on the survival of CC patients. Impacts of GFRA1 on CC cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by a battery of biological assays in vitro and in vivo. The phosphorylation of AKT and ERK proteins was examined by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS The proportion of dmGFRA1 in CC, surgical margin, and normal colon tissues by MethyLight was 68.4%, 73.4%, and 35.9% (median; nonparametric test, P = 0.001 and < 0.001), respectively. Using the median value of dmGFRA1 peak area proportion as the cutoff, the proportion of dmGFRA1-high samples was much higher in poorly differentiated CC samples than in moderately or well-differentiated samples (92.3%% vs 55.8%, Chi-square test, P = 0.002) and significantly higher in CC samples with distant metastasis than in samples without (77.8% vs 46.0%, P = 0.021). The overall survival of patients with dmGFRA1-low CC was significantly longer than that of patients with dmGFRA1-high CC (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.98), especially for 89 CC patients with metastatic CC (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.91). These data were confirmed by the mining results from TCGA datasets. Furthermore, GFRA1 overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation/invasion of RKO and HCT116 cells and the growth of RKO cells in nude mice but did not affect their migration. GFRA1 overexpression markedly increased the phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK proteins, two key molecules in two classic GFRA1 downstream pathways.
CONCLUSION GFRA1 expression is frequently reactivated by DNA demethylation in CC tissues and is significantly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with CC, especially those with metastatic CC. GFRA1 can promote the proliferation/growth of CC cells, probably by the activation of AKT and ERK pathways. GFRA1 might be a therapeutic target for CC patients, especially those with metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ru Ma
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100143, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
- Morphological Center of Basic Medical School of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100143, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100143, China
| | - Lian-Kun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100143, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Da-Jun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100143, China
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41
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Kapur RP, Smith C, Ambartsumyan L. Postoperative Pullthrough Obstruction in Hirschsprung Disease: Etiologies and Diagnosis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2020; 23:40-59. [PMID: 31752599 DOI: 10.1177/1093526619890735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Some patients continue to have obstructive symptoms and/or incontinence after pullthrough surgery for Hirschsprung disease. Incontinence can be due to injury to the anal sphincter and/or dentate line, abnormal colonic motility (nonretentive), or a chronic large stool burden (retentive). A diagnostic algorithm based on clinical and pathological evaluations can be applied to distinguish potential etiologies for obstructive symptoms, which segregate into anatomic (mechanical or histopathological) or physiologic subgroups. Valuable clinical information may be obtained by anorectal examination under anesthesia, radiographic studies, and anorectal or colonic manometry. In addition, histopathological review of a patient's original resection specimen(s) as well as postoperative biopsies of the neorectum usually are an important component of the diagnostic workup. Goals for the surgical pathologist are to exclude incomplete resection of the aganglionic segment or transition zone and to identify other neuromuscular pathology that might explain the patient's dysmotility. Diagnoses established from a combination of clinical and pathological data dramatically alter management strategies. In rare instances, reoperative pullthrough surgery is required, in which case the pathologist must be aware of histopathological features specific to redo pullthrough resection specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj P Kapur
- Department of Pathology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Caitlin Smith
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lusine Ambartsumyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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42
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Gramann AK, Venkatesan AM, Guerin M, Ceol CJ. Regulation of zebrafish melanocyte development by ligand-dependent BMP signaling. eLife 2019; 8:50047. [PMID: 31868592 PMCID: PMC6968919 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventing terminal differentiation is important in the development and progression of many cancers including melanoma. Recent identification of the BMP ligand GDF6 as a novel melanoma oncogene showed GDF6-activated BMP signaling suppresses differentiation of melanoma cells. Previous studies have identified roles for GDF6 orthologs during early embryonic and neural crest development, but have not identified direct regulation of melanocyte development by GDF6. Here, we investigate the BMP ligand gdf6a, a zebrafish ortholog of human GDF6, during the development of melanocytes from the neural crest. We establish that the loss of gdf6a or inhibition of BMP signaling during neural crest development disrupts normal pigment cell development, leading to an increase in the number of melanocytes and a corresponding decrease in iridophores, another neural crest-derived pigment cell type in zebrafish. This shift occurs as pigment cells arise from the neural crest and depends on mitfa, an ortholog of MITF, a key regulator of melanocyte development that is also targeted by oncogenic BMP signaling. Together, these results indicate that the oncogenic role ligand-dependent BMP signaling plays in suppressing differentiation in melanoma is a reiteration of its physiological roles during melanocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec K Gramann
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States.,Department of Molecular Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Arvind M Venkatesan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States.,Department of Molecular Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Melissa Guerin
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States.,Department of Molecular Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States.,Department of Molecular Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
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43
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Huang S, Wang Y, Luo L, Li X, Jin X, Li S, Yu X, Yang M, Guo Z. BMP2 Is Related to Hirschsprung's Disease and Required for Enteric Nervous System Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:523. [PMID: 31849612 PMCID: PMC6901830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from neural crest cells (NCCs). Defects in ENS NCCs colonizing in the intestines lead to an absence of enteric ganglia in the colon and results in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play diverse roles in the proliferation, migration and survival of ENS NCCs; however, whether BMPs are involved in HSCR and the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that BMP2 expression is significantly decreased in HSCR patients. Further experiments demonstrated that BMP2 is involved in the regulation of NCC proliferation, migration and differentiation. In a detailed analysis of the role of BMP2 in HSCR development in vivo, we demonstrated that BMP2b regulates the proliferation, migration and differentiation of vagal NCCs in zebrafish and that BMP2b is required for intestinal smooth muscle development. In addition, we showed that BMP2b is involved in regulating the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the intestine, which mediates the regulation of ENS development by BMP2b in zebrafish. These results highlight a central role of the BMP-GDNF cascade in intestinal patterning and ENS development. Our results further demonstrate the key role of BMP2 in the etiology of HSCR in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhou Huang
- Development and Regeneration Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, CSTC2009CA5002, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Organism Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, CSTC2009CA5002, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianqing Jin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, CSTC2009CA5002, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, CSTC2009CA5002, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenhua Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, CSTC2009CA5002, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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44
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Lindahl M, Chalazonitis A, Palm E, Pakarinen E, Danilova T, Pham TD, Setlik W, Rao M, Võikar V, Huotari J, Kopra J, Andressoo JO, Piepponen PT, Airavaara M, Panhelainen A, Gershon MD, Saarma M. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor-deficiency leads to degeneration of enteric neurons and altered brain dopamine neuronal function in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104696. [PMID: 31783118 PMCID: PMC7000201 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is neuroprotective for nigrostriatal dopamine neurons and restores dopaminergic function in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To understand the role of CDNF in mammals, we generated CDNF knockout mice (Cdnf−/−), which are viable, fertile, and have a normal life-span. Surprisingly, an age-dependent loss of enteric neurons occurs selectively in the submucosal but not in the myenteric plexus. This neuronal loss is a consequence not of increased apoptosis but of neurodegeneration and autophagy. Quantitatively, the neurodegeneration and autophagy found in the submucosal plexus in duodenum, ileum and colon of the Cdnf−/− mouse are much greater than in those of Cdnf+/+ mice. The selective vulnerability of submucosal neurons to the absence of CDNF is reminiscent of the tendency of pathological abnormalities to occur in the submucosal plexus in biopsies of patients with PD. In contrast, the number of substantia nigra dopamine neurons and dopamine and its metabolite concentrations in the striatum are unaltered in Cdnf−/− mice; however, there is an age-dependent deficit in the function of the dopamine system in Cdnf−/− male mice analyzed. This is observed as D-amphetamine-induced hyperactivity, aberrant dopamine transporter function, and as increased D-amphetamine-induced dopamine release demonstrating that dopaminergic axon terminal function in the striatum of the Cdnf−/− mouse brain is altered. The deficiencies of Cdnf−/− mice, therefore, are reminiscent of those seen in early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Erik Palm
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmi Pakarinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatiana Danilova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuan D Pham
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Wanda Setlik
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Vootele Võikar
- Neuroscience Center/Laboratory Animal Center, Mustialankatu 1, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jatta Huotari
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri T Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, New York, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Unit, Viikinkaari 5D, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Grundmann D, Loris E, Maas-Omlor S, Schäfer KH. Enteric Neurogenesis During Life Span Under Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1345-1353. [PMID: 30950581 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls gastrointestinal key functions and is mainly characterized by two ganglionated plexus located in the gut wall: the myenteric plexus and the submucous plexus. The ENS harbors a high number and diversity of enteric neurons and glial cells, which generate neuronal circuitry to regulate intestinal physiology. In the past few years, the pivotal role of enteric neurons in the underlying mechanism of several intestinal diseases was revealed. Intestinal diseases are associated with neuronal death that could in turn compromise intestinal functionality. Enteric neurogenesis and regeneration is therefore a crucial aspect within the ENS and could be revealed not only during embryogenesis and early postnatal periods, but also in the adulthood. Enteric glia and/or enteric neural precursor/progenitor cells differentiate into enteric neurons, both under homeostatic and pathologic conditions beyond the perinatal period. The unique role of the intestinal microbiota and serotonin signaling in postnatal and adult neurogenesis has been shown by several studies in health and disease. In this review article, we will mainly focus on different recent studies, which advanced the concept of postnatal and adult ENS neurogenesis. Moreover, we will discuss the key factors and underlying mechanisms, which promote enteric neurogenesis. Finally, we will shortly describe neurogenesis of transplanted enteric neural progenitor cells. Anat Rec, 302:1345-1353, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Grundmann
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Eva Loris
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Silke Maas-Omlor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Zweibrucken, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Russell JP, Mohammadi E, Ligon C, Latorre R, Johnson AC, Hoang B, Krull D, Ho MWY, Eidam HS, DeMartino MP, Cheung M, Oliff AI, Kumar S, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Enteric RET inhibition attenuates gastrointestinal secretion and motility via cholinergic signaling in rat colonic mucosal preparations. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13479. [PMID: 30311722 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of RET in the developing enteric nervous system (ENS) suggests that RET may contribute to adult intestinal function. ENS cholinergic nerves play a critical role in the control of colonic function through the release of acetylcholine (ACh). In the current study, we hypothesized that a RET-mediated mechanism may regulate colonic ion transport and motility through modulation of cholinergic nerves. METHODS The effect of RET inhibition on active ion transport was assessed electrophysiologically in rat colonic tissue mounted in Ussing chambers via measurements of short circuit current (Isc) upon electrical field stimulation (EFS) or pharmacologically with cholinergic agonists utilizing a gastrointestinal (GI)-restricted RET inhibitor. We assessed the effect of the RET inhibitor on propulsive motility via quantification of fecal pellet output (FPO) induced by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine. KEY RESULTS We found that enteric ganglia co-expressed RET and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) transcripts. In vitro, the RET kinase inhibitor GSK3179106 attenuated the mean increase in Isc induced by either EFS or carbachol but not bethanechol. In vivo, GSK3179106 significantly reduced the prokinetic effect of neostigmine. CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES Our findings provide evidence that RET-mediated mechanisms regulate colonic function by maintaining cholinergic neuronal function and enabling ACh-evoked chloride secretion and motility. We suggest that modulating the cholinergic control of the colon via a RET inhibitor may represent a novel target for the treatment of intestinal disorders associated with increased secretion and accelerated GI transit such as irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Russell
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ehsan Mohammadi
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Casey Ligon
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Rocco Latorre
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Anthony C Johnson
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Bao Hoang
- Exploratory Biomarker Assay Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - David Krull
- Exploratory Biomarker Assay Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Melisa W-Y Ho
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hilary S Eidam
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael P DeMartino
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mui Cheung
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen I Oliff
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Virtual Proof of Concept Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
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Establishment of an induced pluripotent stem cell model of Hirschsrpung disease, a congenital condition of the enteric nervous system, from a patient carrying a novel RET mutation. Neuroreport 2019; 29:975-980. [PMID: 29965875 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex genetic disorder of the enteric nervous system that is characterized by a complete loss of the neuronal ganglion cells in the intestinal tract. It is one of the most frequent causes of congenital intestinal obstruction and more than 80% of the causative mutations are in RET. Here, we identified a new RET mutation in a patient and established a cell model that can be used to elucidate the pathogenesis of HSCR. Peripheral blood was collected from a patient who was clinically and pathologically diagnosed with HSCR with a heterozygous deletion mutation (c.180delT; p.Glu61ArgfsX163) in exon 2 of RET. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were generated from dermal fibroblasts. Using immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR, we showed that the generated iPSCs expressed the pluripotency markers OCT4, SSEA4, SOX2, TRA-1-60, and NANOG. We also showed that the HSCR-iPSCs could differentiate into cells from all three germ layers by spontaneous in-vitro differentiation. In addition, 3 months after the administration of a subcutaneous injection of these iPSCs into nude mice, teratomas with all three germ layers were observed. We identified a new RET gene mutation causing HSCR and successfully established a human iPSC line from an HSCR patient carrying this novel RET mutation, which could be useful in pathogenesis studies of HSCR.
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Chesné J, Cardoso V, Veiga-Fernandes H. Neuro-immune regulation of mucosal physiology. Mucosal Immunol 2019; 12:10-20. [PMID: 30089849 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0063-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal barriers constitute major body surfaces that are in constant contact with the external environment. Mucosal sites are densely populated by a myriad of distinct neurons and immune cell types that sense, integrate and respond to multiple environmental cues. In the recent past, neuro-immune interactions have been reported to play central roles in mucosal health and disease, including chronic inflammatory conditions, allergy and infectious diseases. Discrete neuro-immune cell units act as building blocks of this bidirectional multi-tissue cross-talk, ensuring mucosal tissue health and integrity. Herein, we will focus on reciprocal neuro-immune interactions in the airways and intestine. Such neuro-immune cross-talk maximizes sensing and integration of environmental aggressions, which can be considered an important paradigm shift in our current views of mucosal physiology and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Chesné
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vânia Cardoso
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038, Lisboa, Portugal
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Porokuokka LL, Virtanen HT, Lindén J, Sidorova Y, Danilova T, Lindahl M, Saarma M, Andressoo JO. Gfra1 Underexpression Causes Hirschsprung's Disease and Associated Enterocolitis in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:655-678. [PMID: 30594740 PMCID: PMC6444303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS RET, the receptor for the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, is the most frequently mutated gene in congenital aganglionic megacolon or Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). The leading cause of mortality in HSCR is HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), which is characterized by altered mucin composition, mucin retention, bacterial adhesion to enterocytes, and epithelial damage, although the order of these events is obscure. In mice, loss of GDNF signaling leads to a severely underdeveloped enteric nervous system and neonatally fatal kidney agenesis, thereby precluding the use of these mice for modeling postnatal HSCR and HAEC. Our aim was to generate a postnatally viable mouse model for HSCR/HAEC and analyze HAEC etiology. METHODS GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRa1) hypomorphic mice were generated by placing a selectable marker gene in the sixth intron of the Gfra1 locus using gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells. RESULTS We report that 70%-80% reduction in GDNF co-receptor GFRa1 expression levels in mice results in HSCR and HAEC, leading to death within the first 25 postnatal days. These mice mirror the disease progression and histopathologic findings in children with untreated HSCR/HAEC. CONCLUSIONS In GFRa1 hypomorphic mice, HAEC proceeds from goblet cell dysplasia, with abnormal mucin production and retention, to epithelial damage. Microbial enterocyte adherence and tissue invasion are late events and therefore unlikely to be the primary cause of HAEC. These results suggest that goblet cells may be a potential target for preventative treatment and that reduced expression of GFRa1 may contribute to HSCR susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jere Lindén
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatiana Danilova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Lindahl
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Jaan-Olle Andressoo, PhD, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Zhang D, Osborne JM, Abu-Bonsrah KD, Cheeseman BL, Landman KA, Jurkowicz B, Newgreen DF. Stochastic clonal expansion of “superstars” enhances the reserve capacity of enteric nervous system precursor cells. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S287-S296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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