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Silverman JB, Krystofiak EE, Caplan LR, Lau KS, Tyska MJ. Organization of a cytoskeletal superstructure in the apical domain of intestinal tuft cells. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202404070. [PMID: 39352498 PMCID: PMC11457492 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202404070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells are a rare epithelial cell type that play important roles in sensing and responding to luminal antigens. A defining morphological feature of this lineage is the actin-rich apical "tuft," which contains large fingerlike protrusions. However, details of the cytoskeletal ultrastructure underpinning the tuft, the molecules involved in building this structure, or how it supports tuft cell biology remain unclear. In the context of the small intestine, we found that tuft cell protrusions are supported by long-core bundles that consist of F-actin crosslinked in a parallel and polarized configuration; they also contain a tuft cell-specific complement of actin-binding proteins that exhibit regionalized localization along the bundle axis. Remarkably, in the sub-apical cytoplasm, the array of core actin bundles interdigitates and co-aligns with a highly ordered network of microtubules. The resulting cytoskeletal superstructure is well positioned to support subcellular transport and, in turn, the dynamic sensing functions of the tuft cell that are critical for intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Silverman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Evan E. Krystofiak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Cell Imaging Shared Resource, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leah R. Caplan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ken S. Lau
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew J. Tyska
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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2
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Sipos F, Műzes G. Colonic Tuft Cells: The Less-Recognized Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6209. [PMID: 38892399 PMCID: PMC11172904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells are more than guardian chemosensory elements of the digestive tract. They produce a variety of immunological effector molecules in response to stimulation; moreover, they are essential for defense against protozoa and nematodes. Beyond the description of their characteristics, this review aims to elucidate the potential pathogenic and therapeutic roles of colonic tuft cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, focusing on their primarily immunomodulatory action. Regarding inflammatory bowel disease, tuft cells are implicated in both maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and in tissue repair and regeneration processes. In addition to maintaining intestinal homeostasis, they display complex immune-regulatory functions. During the development of colorectal cancer, tuft cells can promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, alter the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and modulate both the anti-tumor immune response and the tumor microenvironment. A wide variety of their biological functions can be targeted for anti-inflammatory or anti-tumor therapies; however, the adverse side effects of immunomodulatory actions must be strictly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Sipos
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Silverman JB, Krystofiak EE, Caplan LR, Lau KS, Tyska MJ. Intestinal tuft cells assemble a cytoskeletal superstructure composed of co-aligned actin bundles and microtubules. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585757. [PMID: 38562898 PMCID: PMC10983963 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background & Aims All tissues consist of a distinct set of cell types, which collectively support organ function and homeostasis. Tuft cells are a rare epithelial cell type found in diverse epithelia, where they play important roles in sensing antigens and stimulating downstream immune responses. Exhibiting a unique polarized morphology, tuft cells are defined by an array of giant actin filament bundles that support ∼2 μm of apical membrane protrusion and extend over 7 μm towards the cell's perinuclear region. Despite their established roles in maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis, tuft cells remain understudied due to their rarity (e.g. ∼ 1% in the small intestinal epithelium). Details regarding the ultrastructural organization of the tuft cell cytoskeleton, the molecular components involved in building the array of giant actin bundles, and how these cytoskeletal structures support tuft cell biology remain unclear. Methods To begin to answer these questions, we used advanced light and electron microscopy to perform quantitative morphometry of the small intestinal tuft cell cytoskeleton. Results We found that tuft cell core bundles consist of actin filaments that are crosslinked in a parallel "barbed-end out" configuration. These polarized structures are also supported by a unique group of tuft cell enriched actin-binding proteins that are differentially localized along the giant core bundles. Furthermore, we found that tuft cell actin bundles are co-aligned with a highly ordered network of microtubules. Conclusions Tuft cells assemble a cytoskeletal superstructure that is well positioned to serve as a track for subcellular transport along the apical-basolateral axis and in turn, support the dynamic sensing functions that are critical for intestinal epithelial homeostasis. SYNOPSIS This research leveraged advanced light and electron microscopy to perform quantitative morphometry of the intestinal tuft cell cytoskeleton. Three-dimensional reconstructions of segmented image data revealed a co-aligned actin-microtubule superstructure that may play a fundamental role in tuft cell function.
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Silverman JB, Vega PN, Tyska MJ, Lau KS. Intestinal Tuft Cells: Morphology, Function, and Implications for Human Health. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:479-504. [PMID: 37863104 PMCID: PMC11193883 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-030310] [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: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are a rare and morphologically distinct chemosensory cell type found throughout many organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. These cells were identified by their unique morphologies distinguished by large apical protrusions. Ultrastructural data have begun to describe the molecular underpinnings of their cytoskeletal features, and tuft cell-enriched cytoskeletal proteins have been identified, although the connection of tuft cell morphology to tuft cell functionality has not yet been established. Furthermore, tuft cells display variations in function and identity between and within tissues, leading to the delineation of distinct tuft cell populations. As a chemosensory cell type, they display receptors that are responsive to ligands specific for their environment. While many studies have demonstrated the tuft cell response to protists and helminths in the intestine, recent research has highlighted other roles of tuft cells as well as implicated tuft cells in other disease processes including inflammation, cancer, and viral infections. Here, we review the literature on the cytoskeletal structure of tuft cells. Additionally, we focus on new research discussing tuft cell lineage, ligand-receptor interactions, tuft cell tropism, and the role of tuft cells in intestinal disease. Finally, we discuss the implication of tuft cell-targeted therapies in human health and how the morphology of tuft cells may contribute to their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Silverman
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Paige N Vega
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Matthew J Tyska
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; ,
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5
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Hendel SK, Kellermann L, Hausmann A, Bindslev N, Jensen KB, Nielsen OH. Tuft Cells and Their Role in Intestinal Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822867. [PMID: 35237268 PMCID: PMC8884241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The interests in intestinal epithelial tuft cells, their basic physiology, involvement in immune responses and relevance for gut diseases, have increased dramatically over the last fifteen years. A key discovery in 2016 of their close connection to helminthic and protozoan infection has further spurred the exploration of these rare chemosensory epithelial cells. Although very sparse in number, tuft cells are now known as important sentinels in the gastrointestinal tract as they monitor intestinal content using succinate as well as sweet and bitter taste receptors. Upon stimulation, tuft cells secrete a broad palette of effector molecules, including interleukin-25, prostaglandin E2 and D2, cysteinyl leukotriene C4, acetylcholine, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and β-endorphins, some of which with immunomodulatory functions. Tuft cells have proven indispensable in anti-helminthic and anti-protozoan immunity. Most studies on tuft cells are based on murine experiments using double cortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) as a marker, while human intestinal tuft cells can be identified by their expression of the cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme. So far, only few studies have examined tuft cells in humans and their relation to gut disease. Here, we present an updated view on intestinal epithelial tuft cells, their physiology, immunological hub function, and their involvement in human disease. We close with a discussion on how tuft cells may have potential therapeutic value in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kjærgaard Hendel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Sebastian Kjærgaard Hendel,
| | - Lauge Kellermann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Annika Hausmann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Bindslev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Bak Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Haagen Nielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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Ma Z, Lytle NK, Chen B, Jyotsana N, Novak SW, Cho CJ, Caplan L, Ben-Levy O, Neininger AC, Burnette DT, Trinh VQ, Tan MCB, Patterson EA, Arrojo E Drigo R, Giraddi RR, Ramos C, Means AL, Matsumoto I, Manor U, Mills JC, Goldenring JR, Lau KS, Wahl GM, DelGiorno KE. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals a Conserved Metaplasia Program in Pancreatic Injury. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:604-620.e20. [PMID: 34695382 PMCID: PMC8792222 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM) occurs in the pancreas in response to tissue injury and is a potential precursor for adenocarcinoma. The goal of these studies was to define the populations arising from ADM, the associated transcriptional changes, and markers of disease progression. METHODS Acinar cells were lineage-traced with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) to follow their fate post-injury. Transcripts of more than 13,000 EYFP+ cells were determined using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Developmental trajectories were generated. Data were compared with gastric metaplasia, KrasG12D-induced neoplasia, and human pancreatitis. Results were confirmed by immunostaining and electron microscopy. KrasG12D was expressed in injury-induced ADM using several inducible Cre drivers. Surgical specimens of chronic pancreatitis from 15 patients were evaluated by immunostaining. RESULTS scRNA-seq of ADM revealed emergence of a mucin/ductal population resembling gastric pyloric metaplasia. Lineage trajectories suggest that some pyloric metaplasia cells can generate tuft and enteroendocrine cells (EECs). Comparison with KrasG12D-induced ADM identifies populations associated with disease progression. Activation of KrasG12D expression in HNF1B+ or POU2F3+ ADM populations leads to neoplastic transformation and formation of MUC5AC+ gastric-pit-like cells. Human pancreatitis samples also harbor pyloric metaplasia with a similar transcriptional phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Under conditions of chronic injury, acinar cells undergo a pyloric-type metaplasia to mucinous progenitor-like populations, which seed disparate tuft cell and EEC lineages. ADM-derived EEC subtypes are diverse. KrasG12D expression is sufficient to drive neoplasia when targeted to injury-induced ADM populations and offers an alternative origin for tumorigenesis. This program is conserved in human pancreatitis, providing insight into early events in pancreas diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Ma
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Nikki K Lytle
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Bob Chen
- Program in Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nidhi Jyotsana
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sammy Weiser Novak
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Insitute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Charles J Cho
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Leah Caplan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Olivia Ben-Levy
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Abigail C Neininger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dylan T Burnette
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vincent Q Trinh
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Marcus C B Tan
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emilee A Patterson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rafael Arrojo E Drigo
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rajshekhar R Giraddi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Cynthia Ramos
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Anna L Means
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Uri Manor
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Insitute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason C Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - James R Goldenring
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Geoffrey M Wahl
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Kathleen E DelGiorno
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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7
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Kozono T, Tamura-Nakano M, Kawamura YI, Tonozuka T, Nishikawa A. Novel protocol to observe the intestinal tuft cell using transmission electron microscopy. Biol Open 2022; 11:273916. [PMID: 34994390 PMCID: PMC8864298 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059007] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tuft cell is a chemosensory cell, a specific cell type sharing the taste transduction system with a taste cell on the tongue, of which the existence has been discovered in various tissues including the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, trachea and pancreatic duct. To date, electron microscopic approaches have shown various morphological features of the tuft cell, such as long and thick microvilli, tubulovesicular network at the apical side and prominent skeleton structures. Recently, it has been reported that the small intestinal tuft cell functions to initiate type-2 immunity in response to helminth infection. However, the mechanisms by which such distinguished structures are involved with the physiological functions are poorly understood. To address this question, a combination of physiological study of tuft cells using genetic models and its morphological study using electron microscopy will be required. However, it is a challenge to observe tuft cells by electron microscopy due to their extremely low frequency in the epithelium. Therefore, in this paper, we suggest an advanced protocol to observe the small intestinal tuft cell efficiently by transmission electron microscopy using serial semi-thin sections on Aclar film. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We suggest an advanced protocol to efficiently observe the small intestinal tuft cell, a rare cell on the intestinal epithelium, by transmission electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Kozono
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Miwa Tamura-Nakano
- Communal Laboratory, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Yuki I. Kawamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Takashi Tonozuka
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishikawa
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
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8
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Burman A, Kaji I. Luminal Chemosensory Cells in the Small Intestine. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113712. [PMID: 34835968 PMCID: PMC8620795 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the small intestine's well-known function of nutrient absorption, the small intestine also plays a major role in nutrient sensing. Similar to taste sensors seen on the tongue, GPCR-coupled nutrient sensors are expressed throughout the intestinal epithelium and respond to nutrients found in the lumen. These taste receptors respond to specific ligands, such as digested carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The activation of nutrient sensors in the intestine allows for the induction of signaling pathways needed for the digestive system to process an influx of nutrients. Such processes include those related to glucose homeostasis and satiety. Defects in intestinal nutrient sensing have been linked to a variety of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here, we review recent updates in the mechanisms related to intestinal nutrient sensors, particularly in enteroendocrine cells, and their pathological roles in disease. Additionally, we highlight the emerging nutrient sensing role of tuft cells and recent work using enteroids as a sensory organ model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreanna Burman
- Cell and Developmental Biology and Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Izumi Kaji
- Epithelial Biology Center and Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Billipp TE, Nadjsombati MS, von Moltke J. Tuning tuft cells: new ligands and effector functions reveal tissue-specific function. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 68:98-106. [PMID: 33166855 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells are rare chemosensory epithelial cells that monitor their environment and relay messages to the surrounding tissue via secretion of neuromodulatory and immunomodulatory molecules. In the small intestine tuft cells detect helminth infection, protist colonization, and bacterial dysbiosis, and initiate a type 2 immune response characterized by tissue remodeling. In the airways, tuft cells sense bacteria, allergens, and noxious stimuli and drive evasive behavior, neuroinflammation, and anti-bacterial responses. Here we summarize the most recent tuft cell research and discuss how these findings have provided insight into tuft cell diversity. Built around a core program of chemosensing, tuft cell receptors and effector functions are tuned to the unique environmental exposure and physiology of their surrounding tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler E Billipp
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Marija S Nadjsombati
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jakob von Moltke
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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10
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Schneider C, O'Leary CE, Locksley RM. Regulation of immune responses by tuft cells. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 19:584-593. [PMID: 31114038 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are rare, secretory epithelial cells that generated scant immunological interest until contemporaneous reports in 2016 linked tuft cells with type 2 immunity in the small intestine. Tuft cells have the capacity to produce an unusual spectrum of biological effector molecules, including IL-25, eicosanoids implicated in allergy (such as cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2) and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In most cases, the extracellular signals controlling tuft cell effector function are unknown, but signal transduction is thought to proceed via canonical, G protein-coupled receptor-dependent pathways involving components of the signalling pathway used by type II taste bud cells to sense sweet, bitter and umami compounds. Tuft cells are ideally positioned as chemosensory sentinels that can detect and relay information from diverse luminal substances via what appear to be stereotyped outputs to initiate both positive and aversive responses through populations of immune and neuronal cells. Despite recent insights, numerous questions remain regarding tuft cell lineage, diversity and effector mechanisms and how tuft cells interface with the immunological niche in the tissues where they reside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Claire E O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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11
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Huh WJ, Roland JTE, Asai M, Kaji I. Distribution of duodenal tuft cells is altered in pediatric patients with acute and chronic enteropathy. Biomed Res 2020; 41:113-118. [PMID: 32307399 PMCID: PMC10037909 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.41.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical interest into the function of tuft cells in human intestine has increased in recent years. However, no quantitative study has examined intestinal tuft cells in pathological specimens from patients. This study quantified tuft cell density by using a recently identified marker, specific for tyrosine phosphorylation (pY1798) of girdin (also known as CCDC88A or GIV) in the duodenum of pediatric patients. Deidentified sections with pathological diagnosis of acute duodenitis, ulcer, or celiac disease, and age-matched normal control were analyzed under double-blind conditions. Immunostaining for pY1798-girdin demonstrated the distinct shape of tuft cells with and filopodia-like basolateral membrane structure and a small apical area, which densely expressed gamma-actin. As compared to normal tissues, the specimens diagnosed as celiac disease and duodenal ulcer had significantly fewer tuft cell numbers. In contrast, acute duodenitis showed varied population of tuft cells. The mucosa with severe inflammation showed lower tuft cell numbers than the specimens with none to mild inflammation. These results suggest that loss of tuft cells may be involved in prolonged inflammation in the duodenal mucosa and disrupted mucosal integrity. pY1798-girdin and gamma-actin are useful markers for investigating the distribution and morphologies of human intestinal tuft cells under healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jae Huh
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joseph TE Roland
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Masato Asai
- Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Izumi Kaji
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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12
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Nevo S, Kadouri N, Abramson J. Tuft cells: From the mucosa to the thymus. Immunol Lett 2019; 210:1-9. [PMID: 30904566 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are epithelial chemosensory cells with unique morphological and molecular characteristics, the most noticeable of which is a tuft of long and thick microvilli on their apical side, as well as expression of a very distinct set of genes, including genes encoding various members of the taste transduction machinery and pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenases. Initially discovered in rat trachea, tuft cells were gradually identified in various mucosal tissues, and later also in non-mucosal tissues, most recent of which is the thymus. Although tuft cells were discovered more than 60 years ago, their functions in the various tissues remained a mystery until recent years. Today, tuft cells are thought to function as sensors of various types of chemical signals, to which they respond by secretion of diverse biological mediators such as IL25 or acetylcholine. Intestinal tuft cells were also shown to mediate type 2 immunity against parasites. Here, we review the current knowledge on tuft cell characteristics, development and heterogeneity, discuss their potential functions and explore the possible implications and significance of their discovery in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Nevo
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Noam Kadouri
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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Cheng X, Voss U, Ekblad E. A novel serotonin-containing tuft cell subpopulation in mouse intestine. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 376:189-197. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-02988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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14
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Wang YF, Zuo ZH, Luo P, Pang FS, Hu JT. The effect of cyclic tensile force on the actin cytoskeleton organization and morphology of human periodontal ligament cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:950-955. [PMID: 30401563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To explore Girdin/Akt pathway protein expression and morphology change by cyclic tension in the periodontal ligament cells. Human periodontal ligament cells were exposed to cyclic tension force at 4000 μstrain and 0.5 Hz for 6 h though a four-point bending system. Cyclic tension force upregulated F-actin, Girdin and Akt expression in hPDL. In transmission electron microscope assay showed that there are more and bigger mitochondria, more and longer cynapses, more cellular organisms after tension force stimulation than control. The actin filament was changed to be regular lines and pointed to poles of cells. However, we found that the Girdin-depleted cells are small and there are more micro-organisms including more lysosomes and matrix vesicles than control. These finding suggest that the STAT3/Girdin/Akt pathway in PDL to response to mechanical stimulation as well, and Girdin may play a significant role in triggering cell proliferation and migration during orthodontic treatment. It provided an insight into the molecular basis for development of a vitro cell model in studying orthodontic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Wang
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Zuo
- Department of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Chuxiong, 675000, Yunnan, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Pang
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Qujing, Qujing, 655000, Yunan, China
| | - Jiang-Tian Hu
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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15
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Single-Cell Imaging of Metastatic Potential of Cancer Cells. iScience 2018; 10:53-65. [PMID: 30500482 PMCID: PMC6263091 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging of metastatic “potential” is an unvanquished challenge. To engineer biosensors that can detect and measure the metastatic “potential” of single living cancer cells, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the pan-cancer phosphoproteome to search for actin remodelers required for cell migration, which are enriched in cancers but excluded in normal cells. Only one phosphoprotein emerged, tyr-phosphorylated CCDC88A (GIV/Girdin), a bona fide metastasis-related protein across a variety of solid tumors. We designed multi-modular biosensors that are partly derived from GIV, and because GIV integrates prometastatic signaling by multiple oncogenic receptors, we named them “‘integrators of metastatic potential (IMP).” IMPs captured the heterogeneity of metastatic potential within primary lung and breast tumors at steady state, detected those few cells that have acquired the highest metastatic potential, and tracked their enrichment during metastasis. These findings provide proof of concept that IMPs can measure the diversity and plasticity of metastatic potential of tumor cells in a sensitive and unbiased way. Phosphoproteomes of cancers predicted a putative metastasis-specific phosphoevent FRET-based biosensor designed to assess this phosphoevent in living cells Biosensor tracks the diversity and plasticity of metastatic potential of cancer cells These sensors could direct drug efficacy testing against the most sinister cancer cells
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O'Leary CE, Schneider C, Locksley RM. Tuft Cells-Systemically Dispersed Sensory Epithelia Integrating Immune and Neural Circuitry. Annu Rev Immunol 2018; 37:47-72. [PMID: 30379593 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-042718-041505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tuft cells-rare solitary chemosensory cells in mucosal epithelia-are undergoing intense scientific scrutiny fueled by recent discovery of unsuspected connections to type 2 immunity. These cells constitute a conduit by which ligands from the external space are sensed via taste-like signaling pathways to generate outputs unique among epithelial cells: the cytokine IL-25, eicosanoids associated with allergic immunity, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The classic type II taste cell transcription factor POU2F3 is lineage defining, suggesting a conceptualization of these cells as widely distributed environmental sensors with effector functions interfacing type 2 immunity and neural circuits. Increasingly refined single-cell analytics have revealed diversity among tuft cells that extends from nasal epithelia and type II taste cells to ex-Aire-expressing medullary thymic cells and small-intestine cells that mediate tissue remodeling in response to colonizing helminths and protists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , ,
| | - Christoph Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , ,
| | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; , , .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.,University of California, San Francisco, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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17
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Mizutani Y, Kuga D, Iida M, Ushida K, Takagi T, Tokita Y, Takahashi M, Asai M. Use of Anti-phospho-girdin Antibodies to Visualize Intestinal Tuft Cells in Free-Floating Mouse Jejunum Cryosections. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29630055 PMCID: PMC5933235 DOI: 10.3791/57475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The actin binding protein girdin is a cytosolic protein that is required for actin remodeling to trigger cell migration in various tissues. Girdin is phosphorylated by both receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases at tyrosine 1798. Omori et al. developed site- and phosphorylation status-specific antibodies against human girdin at tyrosine-1798 (pY1798), which specifically bind to phosphorylated tyrosine-1798, but not to unphosphorylated tyrosine-1798. pY1798 antibodies have been used to specifically label tuft cells (TCs) that are present in mammalian gastrointestinal tissues, but the function of these cells is unclear. This protocol allows the robust visualization of TCs in the jejunum using pY1798 antibodies and immunofluorescence. To ensure successful and simple TC visualization, this protocol includes two histological techniques: production of free-floating cryosections from gelatin-filled jejunum tissue, and low-temperature antigen retrieval at 50 °C for 3 h. Filling the jejunum with gelatin maintains the shape of free-floating sections throughout the staining procedure, whereas low-temperature antigen retrieval ensures robust signals from TCs. Successful use of this protocol results in pY1798 staining of TCs distributed from villus tip to crypt. Stained TCs have a spool-shaped soma and fluorescent signals condense at the lumenal tip, which corresponds to the protruding 'tuft.' Phalloidin staining colocalized with pY1798-positive TCs at the thickened brush border, and corresponds to a rootlet mass extending from the TC tuft. This protocol could be used to examine TCs in human biopsy samples collected with gastrointestinal endoscopes. Furthermore, TCs were recently reported to accumulate following parasite infection in mice, suggesting that this protocol could have applications for diagnosis of parasite infections in the human gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Mizutani
- Division of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center
| | | | - Machiko Iida
- Division of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center
| | - Kaori Ushida
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tsuyoshi Takagi
- Division of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center
| | - Yoshihito Tokita
- Division of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center
| | | | - Masato Asai
- Division of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center; Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine;
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Ushida K, Asai N, Uchiyama K, Enomoto A, Takahashi M. Development of a method to preliminarily embed tissue samples using low melting temperature fish gelatin before sectioning: A technical note. Pathol Int 2018; 68:241-245. [PMID: 29465759 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Embedding of tissue samples that maintains a desired orientation is critical for preparing sections suitable for diagnosis and study objectives. Methods to prepare tissue sections include: (i) paraffin embedding or snap-freezing followed by microtome or cryostat sectioning; and (ii) agarose embedding followed by cutting on a vibrating microslicer. Although these methods are useful for routine laboratory work, preparation of small and fragile tissues such as mouse organs, small human biopsy samples, and cultured floating spheres is difficult and requires special skills. In particular, tissue specimen orientation can be lost during embedding in molds and subsequent sectioning. Here, we developed a method using low melting temperature (LM) gelatin either alone or mixed with agarose to preliminarily embed collected tissues that are either prefixed or unfixed, followed by conventional fixation, paraffin embedding, freezing, and sectioning. The advantage of the method is that the LM gelatin and its mixture with agarose can be handled at room temperature but quickly hardens at 4°C, which allows embedding, trimming, and arranging of small and fragile tissues in a desired orientation and are compatible with traditional stainings. Thus, this method can have various laboratory applications and can be modified according to the needs of each laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Ushida
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Technical Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoya Asai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kozo Uchiyama
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Technical Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahide Takahashi
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We report recently published knowledge regarding gut chemosensory mechanisms focusing on nutrient-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed on gut enteroendocrine cells (EECs), tuft cells, and in afferent nerves in the gastroduodenal mucosa and submucosa. RECENT FINDINGS Gene profiling of EECs and tuft cells have revealed expression of a variety of nutrient-sensing GPCRs. The density of EEC and tuft cells is altered by luminal environmental changes that may occur following bypass surgery or in the presence of mucosal inflammation. Some EECs and tuft cells are directly linked to sensory nerves in the subepithelial space. Vagal afferent neurons that innervate the intestinal villi express nutrient receptors, contributing to the regulation of duodenal anion secretion in response to luminal nutrients. Nutrients are also absorbed via specific epithelial transporters. SUMMARY Gastric and duodenal epithelial cells are continually exposed to submolar concentrations of nutrients that activate GPCRs expressed on EECs, tuft cells, and submucosal afferent nerves and are also absorbed through specific transporters, regulating epithelial cell proliferation, gastrointestinal physiological function, and metabolism. The chemical coding and distribution of EECs and tuft cells are keys to the development of GPCR-targeted therapies.
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