Immunohistochemical localization of six galectin subtypes in the mouse digestive tract

Analysis of the Interaction Between Mucin and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-Tagged Galectin-2 Using a 96-Well Plate

Due to a significant proportion of glycans binding to the peptide (constituting approximately 50-90% of the molecular weight), analyzing the interaction between the entire mucin molecule and its recognition protein (lectin) can be challenging. To address this, we propose a semiquantitative approach for measuring the interaction between mucin and lectin, which involves immobilizing mucin in a 96-well plate and subsequently adding lectin tagged with green fluorescent protein.

Placental galectins: a subfamily of galectins lose the ability to bind β-galactosides with new structural features†

Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins. There are 16 different of galectins, each with a specific function determined by its distinct distribution and spatial structure. Galectin-13, galectin-14, and galectin-16 are distinct from other galectin members in that they are primarily found in placental tissue. These galectins, also referred to as placental galectins, play critical roles in regulating pregnancy-associated processes, such as placenta formation and maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. The unique structural characteristics and the inability to bind lactose of placental galectins have recently received significant attention. This review primarily examines the novel structural features of placental galectins, which distinguish them from the classic galectins. Furthermore, it explores the correlation between these structural features and the loss of β-galactoside binding ability. In addition, the newly discovered functions of placental galectins in recent years are also summarized in our review. A detailed understanding of the roles of placental galectins may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms causing numerous pregnancy diseases and enable the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these diseases, ultimately benefiting the health of mothers and offspring.

Heterogeneous murine peribiliary glands orchestrate compartmentalized epithelial renewal

The extrahepatic branches of the biliary tree have glands that connect to the surface epithelium through narrow pits. The duct epithelia undergo homeostatic renewal, yet the identity and multiplicity of cells that maintain this tissue is unknown. Using marker-free and targeted clonal fate mapping in mice, we provide evidence that the extrahepatic bile duct is compartmentalized. Pit cholangiocytes of extramural glands renewed the surface epithelium, whereas basally oriented cholangiocytes maintained the gland itself. In contrast, basally positioned cholangiocytes replenished the surface epithelium in mural glands. Single-cell sequencing identified genes enriched in the base and surface epithelial populations, with trajectory analysis showing graded gene expression between these compartments. Epithelia were plastic, changing cellular identity upon fasting and refeeding. Gain of canonical Wnt signaling caused basal cell expansion, gastric chief cell marker expression, and a decrease in surface epithelial markers. Our results identify the cellular hierarchy governing extrahepatic biliary epithelial renewal.

Proteolytic processing of galectin-3 by meprin metalloproteases is crucial for host-microbiome homeostasis

The metalloproteases meprin α and meprin β are highly expressed in the healthy gut but significantly decreased in inflammatory bowel disease, implicating a protective role in mucosal homeostasis. In the colon, meprin α and meprin β form covalently linked heterodimers tethering meprin α to the plasma membrane, therefore presenting dual proteolytic activity in a unique enzyme complex. To unravel its function, we applied N-terminomics and identified galectin-3 as the major intestinal substrate for meprin α/β heterodimers. Galectin-3-deficient and meprin α/β double knockout mice show similar alterations in their microbiome in comparison to wild-type mice. We further demonstrate that meprin α/β heterodimers differentially process galectin-3 upon bacterial infection, in germ-free, conventionally housed (specific pathogen-free), or wildling mice, which in turn regulates the bacterial agglutination properties of galectin-3. Thus, the constitutive cleavage of galectin-3 by meprin α/β heterodimers may play a key role in colon host-microbiome homeostasis.

Method for Preparing Recombinant Galectin-2 Protein without Escherichia coli-Specific Post-translational Modifications

Galectin-2 (Gal-2) is an animal lectin with specificity for β-galactosides. It is predominantly expressed and suggested to play a protective function in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, it can be used as a protein drug. Recombinant proteins have been expressed using Escherichia coli and used to study the function of Gal-2. The recombinant human Gal-2 (hGal-2) protein purified via affinity chromatography after being expressed in E. coli was not completely homogeneous. Mass spectrometry confirmed that some recombinant Gal-2 were phosphogluconoylated. In contrast, the recombinant mouse Gal-2 (mGal-2) protein purified using affinity chromatography after being expressed in E. coli contained a different form of Gal-2 with a larger molecular weight. This was due to mistranslating the original mGal-2 stop codon TGA to tryptophan (TGG). In this report, to obtain a homogeneous Gal-2 protein for further studies, we attempted the following methods: for hGal-2, 1) replacement of the lysine (Lys) residues, which was easily phosphogluconoylated with arginine (Arg) residues, and 2) addition of histidine (His)-tag on the N-terminus of the recombinant protein and cleavage with protease after expression; for mGal-2, 3) changing the stop codon from TGA to TAA, which is commonly used in E. coli. We obtained an almost homogeneous recombinant Gal-2 protein (human and mouse). These results have important implications for using Gal-2 as a protein drug.

Highlights on the Role of Galectin-3 in Colorectal Cancer and the Preventive/Therapeutic Potential of Food-Derived Inhibitors

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advances in surgical and therapeutic management, tumor metastases and resistance to therapy still represent major hurdles. CRC risk is highly modifiable by lifestyle factors, including diet, which strongly influences both cancer incidence and related mortality. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifaceted protein involved in multiple pathophysiological pathways underlying chronic inflammation and cancer. Its versatility is given by the ability to participate in a wide range of tumor-promoting processes, including cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions, cell growth regulation and apoptosis, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This review provides an updated summary of preclinical and observational human studies investigating the pathogenetic role of Gal-3 in intestinal inflammation and CRC, as well as the potential of Gal-3 activity inhibition by plant-source food-derived bioactive compounds to control CRC onset/growth. These studies highlight both direct and immuno-mediated effects of Gal-3 on tumor growth and invasiveness and its potential role as a CRC prognostic biomarker. Substantial evidence indicates natural food-derived Gal-3 inhibitors as promising candidates for CRC prevention and therapy. However, critical issues, such as their bioavailability and efficacy, in controlled human studies need to be addressed to translate research progress into clinical applications.

Gal-2 Increases H3K4me3 and H3K9ac in Trophoblasts and Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy disorder with a pathophysiology not yet completely understood and without curative therapy. The histone modifications H3K4me³ and H3K9ac, as well as galectin-2 (Gal-2), are known to be decreased in PE. To gain a better understanding of the development of PE, the influence of Gal-2 on histone modification in trophoblasts and in syncytialisation was investigated. Immunohistochemical stains of 13 PE and 13 control placentas were correlated, followed by cell culture experiments. An analysis of H3K4me³ and H3K9ac was conducted, as well as cell fusion staining with E-cadherin and β-catenin—both after incubation with Gal-2. The expression of H3K4me³ and H3K9ac correlated significantly with the expression of Gal-2. Furthermore, we detected an increase in H3K4me³ and H3K9ac after the addition of Gal-2 to BeWo/HVT cells. Moreover, there was increased fusion of HVT cells after incubation with Gal-2. Gal-2 is associated with the histone modifications H3K4me³ and H3K9ac in trophoblasts. Furthermore, syncytialisation increased after incubation with Gal-2. Therefore, we postulate that Gal-2 stimulates syncytialisation, possibly mediated by H3K4me³ and H3K9ac. Since Gal-2, as well as H3K4me³ and H3K9ac, are decreased in PE, the induction of Gal-2 might be a promising therapeutic target.

Human Galectin-7 Gene LGALS7 Promoter Sequence Polymorphisms and Risk of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Prospective Study

Background and purpose

Despite evidence for the role of genetic factors in stroke, only a small proportion of strokes have been clearly attributed to monogenic factors, due to phenotypic heterogeneity. The goal of this study was to determine whether a significant relationship exists between human galectin-7 gene LGALS7 promoter region polymorphisms and the risk of stroke due to non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

This two-stage genetic association study included an initial exploratory stage followed by a discovery stage. During the exploratory stage, transgenic galectin-7 mice or transgenic mice with the scrambled sequence of the hairpin structure –silenced down gene LGALS7—were generated and then expressed differentially expressed proteins and galectin-7-interacting proteins were identified through proteomic analysis. During the discovery stage, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping approach was used to determine associations between 2 LGALS7 SNPs and ICH stroke risk for a cohort of 24 patients with stroke of the Chinese Han population and 70 controls.

Results

During the exploratory phase, LGALS7 expression was found to be decreased in TGLGALS–DOWN mice as compared to its expression in TGLGALS mice. During the discovery phase, analysis of LGALS7 sequences of 24 non-traumatic ICH cases and 70 controls led to the identification of 2 ICH susceptibility loci: a genomic region on 19q13.2 containing two LGALS7 SNPs, rs567785577 and rs138945880, whereby the A allele of rs567785577 and the T allele of rs138945880 were associated with greater risk of contracting ICH [for T and A vs. C and G, unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 13.5; 95% CI = 2.249–146.5; p = 0.002]. This is the first study to genotype the galectin-7 promoter in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Genotype and allele association tests and preliminary analysis of patients with stroke revealed that a single locus may be a genetic risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusion

A and T alleles of two novel SNP loci of 19q13.2, rs567785577 and rs138945880, respectively, were evaluated for associations with susceptibility to ICH. Further studies with expanded case numbers that include subjects of other ethnic populations are needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying associations between these SNPs and ICH risk.

Recent understanding of human milk oligosaccharides in establishing infant gut microbiome and roles in immune system

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex sugars with distinctive structural diversity present in breast milk. HMOs have various functional roles to play in infant development starting from establishing the gut microbiome and immune system to take it up to the mature phase. It has been a major energy source for human gut microbes that confer positive benefits on infant health by directly interacting through intestinal cells and generating short-chain fatty acids. It has recently become evident that each species of Bifidobacterium and other genera which are resident of the infant gut employ distinct molecular mechanisms to capture and digest diverse structural HMOs to avoid competition among themselves and successfully maintain gut homeostasis. HMOs also directly modulate gut immune responses and can decoy receptors of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, inhibiting their binding on intestinal cells, thus preventing the emergence of a disease. This review provides a critical understanding of how different gut bacteria capture and utilize selective sugars from the HMO pool and how different structural HMOs protect infants from infectious diseases.

Transcytosis of Galectin-3 in Mouse Intestine

The GlycoLipid-Lectin (GL-Lect) hypothesis provides a conceptual framework to explain how endocytic pits are built in processes of clathrin-independent endocytosis. According to this hypothesis, oligomeric cellular or pathogenic lectins interact with glycosylated plasma membrane lipids in a way such as to drive the formation of tubular endocytic pits that then detach to generate clathrin-independent endocytic carriers for the cellular uptake of cellular or pathogenic products. This process operates in a complementary manner to the conventional clathrin pathway for biological function linked to cell polarity. Up to date, the premises of the GL-Lect hypothesis have been based on model membrane and cell culture experiments. It has therefore become urgent to extend its exploration to complex organisms. In the current protocol, we describe methods to study the endocytosis and transcytosis of a key driver of the GL-Lect mechanism, the cellular galectin-3, and of one of its cargoes, lactotransferrin, in enterocytes of the intact jejunum of mice. In a step-by-step manner, we present the generation of fluorescent endocytic ligands, tissue preparation for cellular uptake measurements, binding and internalization assays, tissue fixation and preparation for sectioning, light and electron microscopical observations, and quantification of data by image processing. Pitfalls are discussed to optimize the chances of success with the described methods.

Gene expression profiling of α-gustducin-expressing taste cells in mouse fungiform and circumvallate papillae

Taste buds are complex sensory organs embedded in the epithelium of fungiform papillae (FP) and circumvallate papillae (CV). The sweet, bitter, and umami tastes are sensed by type II taste cells that express taste receptors (Tas1rs and Tas2rs) coupled with the taste G-protein α-gustducin. Recent studies revealed that the taste response profiles of α-gustducin-expressing cells are different between FP and CV, but which genes could generate such distinctive cell characteristics are still largely unknown. We performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis on α-gustducin-expressing cells in mouse FP and CV by single-cell RNA sequencing combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Transcriptome profiles of the α-gustducin-expressing cells showed various expression patterns of taste receptors. Our clustering analysis defined the specific cell populations derived from FP or CV based on their distinct gene expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the specific expression of galectin-3, encoded by Lgals3, which was recognized as a differentially expressed gene in the transcriptome analysis. Our work provides fundamental knowledge toward understanding the genetic heterogeneity of type II cells, potentially revealing differential characterization of FP and CV taste bud cells.

Galectin-3 in T cell-mediated immunopathology and autoimmunity

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is the only member of galectin family able to form pentamers and heterodimers with chemokines. Its presence in various cells and tissues suggests variety of regulatory functions in physiological conditions, but increasing body of evidence indicates involvement of Gal-3 in pathological cascades of many diseases. Gal-3 exerts different, sometimes opposite, effects in various disorders or in different phases of the same disease. These differences in action of Gal-3 are related to the localization of Gal-3 in the cell, types of receptors through which it acts, or the types of cells that secrete it. As a regulator of immune response and T-cell activity, Gal-3 appears to have important role in development of autoimmunity mediated by T cells. Absence of Gal-3 in C57Bl6 mice favors Th2 mediated inflammatory myocarditis but attenuate fibrosis. Recent data also indicate Gal-3 involvement in development atherosclerosis. In pathogenesis of diabetes type 1 and autoimmune components of diabetes type 2 Gal-3 may have detrimental or protective role depending on its intracellular or extracellular localization. Gal-3 mediates autoimmune hepatic damage through activation of T-cells or natural killer T cells. Gal-3 is an important mediator in neurodevelopment, neuropathology and behavior due to its expression both in neurons and glial cells. All together, assessing the role of Gal-3 in immunopathology and autoimmunity it could be concluded that it is an important participant in pathogenesis, as well as promising monitoring marker and therapeutic target.

Galectin-2 Has Bactericidal Effects against Helicobacter pylori in a β-galactoside-Dependent Manner

Helicobacter pylori is associated with the onset of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins involved in diverse biological phenomena. Galectin-2 (Gal-2), a member of the galectin family, is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Although some galectin family proteins are involved in immunoreaction, the role of Gal-2 against H. pylori infection remains unclear. In this study, the effects of Gal-2 on H. pylori morphology and survival were examined. Gal-2 induced H. pylori aggregation depending on β-galactoside and demonstrated a bactericidal effect. Immunohistochemical staining of the gastric tissue indicated that Gal-2 existed in the gastric mucus, as well as mucosa. These results suggested that Gal-2 plays a role in innate immunity against H. pylori infection in gastric mucus.

Molecular Imaging of Galectin-1 Expression as a Biomarker of Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Using Peptide-Functionalized Imaging Probes

Thyroid cancers are the most frequent endocrine cancers and their incidence is increasing worldwide. Thyroid nodules occur in over 19–68% of the population, but only 7–15% of them are diagnosed as malignant. Diagnosis relies on a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which is often inconclusive and about 90% of thyroidectomies are performed for benign lesions. Galectin-1 has been proposed as a confident biomarker for the discrimination of malignant from benign nodules. We previously identified by phage display two peptides (P1 and P7) targeting galectin-1, with the goal of developing imaging probes for non-invasive diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The peptides were coupled to ultra-small superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) or to a near-infrared dye (CF770) for non-invasive detection of galectin-1 expression in a mouse model of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC, as the most frequent one) by magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging. The imaging probes functionalized with the two peptides presented comparable image enhancement characteristics. However, those coupled to P7 were more favorable, and showed decreased retention by the liver and spleen (known for their galectin-1 expression) and high sensitivity (75%) and specificity (100%) of PTC detection, which confirm the aptitude of this peptide to discriminate human malignant from benign nodules (80% sensitivity, 100% specificity) previously observed by immunohistochemistry.

Potential Interaction between Galectin-2 and MUC5AC in Mouse Gastric Mucus

Galectins are a group of animal lectins characterized by their specificity for β-galactosides. Of these, galectin-2 (Gal-2) is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. In the current study, we used a mouse gastric mucous fraction to investigate whether Gal-2 is secreted from epithelial cells and identify its potential ligands in gastric mucus. Gal-2 was detected in the mouse gastric mucous fraction and could be eluted from it by the addition of lactose. Affinity chromatography using recombinant mouse galectin-2 (mGal-2)-immobilized adsorbent and subsequent LC-MS/MS identified MUC5AC, one of the major gastric mucin glycoproteins, as a potential ligand of mGal-2. Furthermore, MUC5AC was detected in the mouse gastric mucous fraction by Western blotting, and recombinant mGal-2 was adsorbed to this fraction in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. These results suggested that Gal-2 and MUC5AC in mouse gastric mucus interact in a β-galactoside-dependent manner, resulting in a stronger barrier structure protecting the mucosal surface.

Expression, S-Nitrosylation, and Measurement of S-Nitrosylation Ratio of Recombinant Galectin-2

S-nitrosylation, which involves the coupling of an NO group to the reactive thiol of Cys residue(s) in a polypeptide, is an important posttranslational modification detected in a variety of proteins. Here, we present the S-nitrosylation of recombinant galectin-2 (Gal-2) using S-nitrosocysteine and the measurement of the molecular ratio of S-nitrosylation of Cys residues in the Gal-2 protein.

Galectin-4, a Negative Regulator of Oligodendrocyte Differentiation, Is Persistently Present in Axons and Microglia/Macrophages in Multiple Sclerosis Lesions

Neuron-derived molecules are potent regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination during brain development and upon demyelination. Their analysis will thus contribute to understanding remyelination failure in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Previously, we have identified neuronal galectin-4 as a novel negative soluble regulator in the timing of developmental myelination. Here, we investigated whether galectin-4 is re-expressed in axons upon demyelination to regulate the timing of remyelination. Our findings revealed that galectin-4 is transiently localized to axons in demyelinated areas upon cuprizone-induced demyelination. In contrast, in chronic demyelinated MS lesions, where remyelination fails, galectin-4 is permanently present on axons. Remarkably, microglia/macrophages in cuprizone-demyelinated areas also harbor galectin-4, as also observed in activated microglia/macrophages that are present in active MS lesions and in inflammatory infiltrates in chronic-relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In vitro analysis showed that galectin-4 is effectively endocytosed by macrophages, and may scavenge galectin-4 from oligodendrocytes, and that endogenous galectin-4 levels are increased in alternatively interleukin-4-activated macrophages and microglia. Hence, similar to developmental myelination, the (re)expressed galectin-4 upon demyelination may act as factor in the timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation, while the persistent presence of galectin-4 on demyelinated axons may disrupt this fine-tuning of remyelination.

Identification of Galectin-2-Mucin Interaction and Possible Formation of a High Molecular Weight Lattice

Galectins comprise a group of animal lectins characterized by their specificity for β-galactosides. Galectin-2 (Gal-2) is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and has been identified as one of the main gastric mucosal proteins that are proposed to have a protective role in the stomach. As Gal-2 is known to form homodimers in solution, this may result in crosslinking of macromolecules with the sugar structures recognized by Gal-2. In this study, we report that Gal-2 could interact with mucin, an important component of gastric mucosa, in a β-galactoside-dependent manner. Furthermore, Gal-2 and mucin could form an insoluble precipitate, potentially through the crosslinking of mucins via Gal-2 and the formation of a lattice, resulting in a large insoluble complex. Therefore, we suggest that Gal-2 plays a role in the gastric mucosa by strengthening the barrier structure through crosslinking the mucins on the mucosal surface.

Galectins in Intestinal Inflammation: Galectin-1 Expression Delineates Response to Treatment in Celiac Disease Patients

Galectins, a family of animal lectins characterized by their affinity for N-acetyllactosamine-enriched glycoconjugates, modulate several immune cell processes shaping the course of innate and adaptive immune responses. Through interaction with a wide range of glycosylated receptors bearing complex branched N-glycans and core 2-O-glycans, these endogenous lectins trigger distinct signaling programs thereby controling immune cell activation, differentiation, recruitment and survival. Given the unique features of mucosal inflammation and the differential expression of galectins throughout the gastrointestinal tract, we discuss here key findings on the role of galectins in intestinal inflammation, particularly Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease (CeD) patients, as well as in murine models resembling these inflammatory conditions. In addition, we present new data highlighting the regulated expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1), a proto-type member of the galectin family, during intestinal inflammation in untreated and treated CeD patients. Our results unveil a substantial upregulation of Gal-1 accompanying the anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic response associated with gluten-free diet in CeD patients, suggesting a major role of this lectin in favoring resolution of inflammation and restoration of mucosal homeostasis. Thus, a coordinated network of galectins and their glycosylated ligands, exerting either anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory responses, may influence the interplay between intestinal epithelial cells and the highly specialized gut immune system in physiologic and pathologic settings.

Structural mechanisms for the S-nitrosylation-derived protection of mouse galectin-2 from oxidation-induced inactivation revealed by NMR

Galectin-2 (Gal-2) is a lectin thought to play protective roles in the gastrointestinal tract. Oxidation of mouse Gal-2 (mGal-2) by hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) results in the loss of sugar-binding activity, whereas S-nitrosylation of mGal-2, which does not change its sugar-binding profile, has been shown to protect the protein from H₂ O₂ -induced inactivation. One of the two cysteine residues, C57, has been identified as being responsible for controlling H₂ O₂ -induced inactivation; however, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. We performed structural analyses of mGal-2 using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and found that residues near C57 experienced significant chemical shift changes following S-nitrosylation, and that S-nitrosylation slowed the H₂ O₂ -induced aggregation of mGal-2. We also revealed that S-nitrosylation improves the thermal stability of mGal-2 and that the solvent accessibility and/or local dynamics of residues near C57 and the local dynamics of the core-forming residues in mGal-2 are reduced by S-nitrosylation. Structural models of Gal-2 indicated that C57 is located in a hydrophobic pocket that can be plugged by S-nitrosylation, which was supported by the NMR experiments. Based on these results, we propose two structural mechanisms by which S-nitrosylation protects mGal-2 from H₂ O₂ -induced aggregation without changing its sugar-binding profile: (a) stabilization of the hydrophobic pocket around C57 that prevents oxidation-induced destabilization of the pocket, and (b) prevention of oxidation of C57 during the transiently unfolded state of the protein, in which the residue is exposed to H₂ O₂ .

DATABASE

Nuclear magnetic resonance assignments for non-S-nitrosylated mGal-2 and S-nitrosylated mGal-2 have been deposited in the BioMagResBank (http://www.bmrb.wisc.edu/) under ID code 27237 for non-S-nitrosylated mGal-2 and ID code 27238 for S-nitrosylated mGal-2.

Immunological Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) comprise a group of structurally complex, unconjugated glycans that are highly abundant in human milk. HMOs are minimally digested in the gastrointestinal tract and reach the colon intact, where they shape the microbiota. A small fraction of HMOs is absorbed, reaches the systemic circulation, and is excreted in urine. HMOs can bind to cell surface receptors expressed on epithelial cells and cells of the immune system and thus modulate neonatal immunity in the infant gut, and possibly also sites throughout the body. In addition, they have been shown to act as soluble decoy receptors to block the attachment of various microbial pathogens to cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the effects HMOs can have on infections, allergies, auto-immune diseases and inflammation, and will focus on the role of HMOs in altering immune responses through binding to immune-related receptors.

Parallel mRNA, proteomics and miRNA expression analysis in cell line models of the intestine

AIM

To identify miRNA-regulated proteins differentially expressed between Caco2 and HT-29: two principal cell line models of the intestine.

METHODS

Exponentially growing Caco-2 and HT-29 cells were harvested and prepared for mRNA, miRNA and proteomic profiling. mRNA microarray profiling analysis was carried out using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Gene 1.0 ST array. miRNA microarray profiling analysis was carried out using the Affymetrix Genechip miRNA 3.0 array. Quantitative Label-free LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis was performed using a Dionex Ultimate 3000 RSLCnano system coupled to a hybrid linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Peptide identities were validated in Proteome Discoverer 2.1 and were subsequently imported into Progenesis QI software for further analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis for all three parallel datasets (miRNA, proteomics, mRNA) was conducted in the R software environment using the Euclidean distance measure and Ward's clustering algorithm. The prediction of miRNA and oppositely correlated protein/mRNA interactions was performed using TargetScan 6.1. GO biological process, molecular function and cellular component enrichment analysis was carried out for the DE miRNA, protein and mRNA lists via the Pathway Studio 11.3 Web interface using their Mammalian database.

RESULTS

Differential expression (DE) profiling comparing the intestinal cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 identified 1795 Genes, 168 Proteins and 160 miRNAs as DE between the two cell lines. At the gene level, 1084 genes were upregulated and 711 were downregulated in the Caco-2 cell line relative to the HT-29 cell line. At the protein level, 57 proteins were found to be upregulated and 111 downregulated in the Caco-2 cell line relative to the HT-29 cell line. Finally, at the miRNAs level, 104 were upregulated and 56 downregulated in the Caco-2 cell line relative to the HT-29 cell line. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DE mRNA identified cell adhesion, migration and ECM organization, cellular lipid and cholesterol metabolic processes, small molecule transport and a range of responses to external stimuli, while similar analysis of the DE protein list identified gene expression/transcription, epigenetic mechanisms, DNA replication, differentiation and translation ontology categories. The DE protein and gene lists were found to share 15 biological processes including for example epithelial cell differentiation [P value ≤ 1.81613E-08 (protein list); P ≤ 0.000434311 (gene list)] and actin filament bundle assembly [P value ≤ 0.001582797 (protein list); P ≤ 0.002733714 (gene list)]. Analysis was conducted on the three data streams acquired in parallel to identify targets undergoing potential miRNA translational repression identified 34 proteins, whose respective mRNAs were detected but no change in expression was observed. Of these 34 proteins, 27 proteins downregulated in the Caco-2 cell line relative to the HT-29 cell line and predicted to be targeted by 19 unique anti-correlated/upregulated microRNAs and 7 proteins upregulated in the Caco-2 cell line relative to the HT-29 cell line and predicted to be targeted by 15 unique anti-correlated/downregulated microRNAs.

CONCLUSION

This first study providing "tri-omics" analysis of the principal intestinal cell line models Caco-2 and HT-29 has identified 34 proteins potentially undergoing miRNA translational repression.

A proto-type galectin-2 from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus): Molecular, genomic, and expression analysis, and recognition of microbial pathogens by recombinant protein

A β-galactoside binding lectin, designated as galectin-2, was identified and characterized from rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus (OfGal-2). The cDNA of OfGal-2 comprised of 692 bp with a coding sequence of 396 bp, encoding a putative polypeptide of 131 amino acids. Gene structure analysis of OfGal-2 revealed a four exon-three intron organization. A single carbohydrate-binding domain containing all seven important residues for carbohydrate binding was located in the third exon, which formed a carbohydrate-binding pocket. Homology screening and sequence analysis demonstrated that OfGal-2 is an evolutionarily conserved proto-type galectin. OfGal-2 transcripts were detected in several healthy fish tissues, with the highest level observed in the intestine, followed by the liver. The expression of OfGal-2 was elevated upon the injection of various mitogenic stimulants and pathogens in a time-dependent manner. Upregulated expression in the liver after tissue injury suggested its role as a damage-associated molecular pattern. Recombinant OfGal-2 protein had hemagglutinating potential and possessed affinity towards lactose and galactose. Moreover, the recombinant protein agglutinated and bound potential pathogenic bacteria and a ciliate. The results of this study indicate that the galectin-2 from rock bream has a potential role in immunity, particularly in the recognition of invading pathogens.

The Ciona intestinalis immune-related galectin genes (CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b) are expressed by the gastric epithelium

The transcription of two Ciona intestinalis galectin genes (CiLgals-a and CiLgals-b) is uparegulated by LPS in the pharynxis (hemocytes, vessel epithelium, endostilar zones) which is retained the main organ of the immunity. In this ascidian, for the first time we show, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization methods, that these two immune-related genes are expressed in the gastric epithelium of naïve ascidians, whereas the galectins appear to be only contained in the intestine columnar epithelium. In addition, according to previous results on the pharynx, the genes are also expressed and galectins produced by hemocytes scattered in the connective tissue surrounding the gut. The genes expression and galectin localization in several tissues, including the previous findings on the transcription upregulation, the constitutive expression of these genes by endostylar zones and by the gastric epithelium suggest a potential multifunctional role of these galectins. In this respect, it is of interest to define where the CiLgals are normally found as related to the tissue functions. Such an approach should be a starting point for further investigations.

Tissue- and cell-specific localization of galectins, β-galactose-binding animal lectins, and their potential functions in health and disease

Fifteen galectins, β-galactose-binding animal lectins, are known to be distributed throughout the body. We herein summarize current knowledge on the tissue- and cell-specific localization of galectins and their potential functions in health and disease. Galectin-3 is widely distributed in epithelia, including the simple columnar epithelium in the gut, stratified squamous epithelium in the gut and skin, and transitional epithelium and several regions in nephrons in the urinary tract. Galectin-2 and galectin-4/6 are gut-specific, while galectin-7 is found in the stratified squamous epithelium in the gut and skin. The reproductive tract mainly contains galectin-1 and galectin-3, and their expression markedly changes during the estrous/menstrual cycle. The galectin subtype expressed in the corpus luteum (CL) changes in association with luteal function. The CL of women and cows displays a "galectin switch" with coordinated changes in the major galectin subtype and its ligand glycoconjugate structure. Macrophages express galectin-3, which may be involved in phagocytotic activity. Lymphoid tissues contain galectin-3-positive macrophages, which are not always stained with the macrophage marker, F4/80. Subsets of neurons in the brain and dorsal root ganglion express galectin-1 and galectin-3, which may contribute to the regeneration of damaged axons, stem cell differentiation, and pain control. The subtype-specific contribution of galectins to implantation, fibrosis, and diabetes are also discussed. The function of galectins may differ depending on the tissues or cells in which they act. The ligand glycoconjugate structures mediated by glycosyltransferases including MGAT5, ST6GAL1, and C2GnT are important for revealing the functions of galectins in healthy and disease states.

Galectin-4 expression is down-regulated in response to autophagy during differentiation of rat trophoblast cells

Placental development and trophoblast invasion of the maternal endometrium establish the maternal-fetal interface, which is critical for the developing embryo and fetus. Herein we show that overexpression of Galectin-4 (Gal-4) during trophoblast differentiation inhibited the enlargement of Rcho-1 cells (a model for rat trophoblast differentiation) and promoted cell-cell adhesion, whereas trophoblast specific markers and MMP-9 activity were not affected. In the rat placenta, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (LC3) protein, an autophagy marker, is highly expressed on the maternal side of the decidua where Gal-4 expression is weak. In vitro assays showed that the expression of trophoblast-specific differentiation markers was reduced by 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and Bafilomycin A1, known as autophagy inhibitors, compared to control cells. Furthermore, Gal-4 expression in Rcho-1 cells, which is normally down-regulated during differentiation, was not attenuated in the presence of autophagy inhibitors, suggesting that autophagy is upstream of Gal-4 expression. We herein describe a possible mechanism by which autophagy regulates trophoblast differentiation via regulation of Gal-4 expression in order to establish the maternal-fetal interface.

Identification of the cysteine residue responsible for oxidative inactivation of mouse galectin-2

Galectins are a group of animal lectins characterized by their specificity for β-galactosides. Mouse galectin-2 (mGal-2) is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and has been identified as one of the main gastric mucosal proteins that are uniquely sensitive to S-nitrosylation. We have previously reported that oxidation of mGal-2 by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) resulted in the loss of sugar-binding ability, whereas pre-treatment of mGal-2 with S-nitrosocysteine prevented H₂O₂-induced inactivation. In this study, we used point-mutated recombinant mGal-2 proteins to study which of the two highly conserved Cys residues in mGal-2 must be S-nitrosylated for protection against oxidative inactivation. Mutation of Cys⁵⁷ to a Met residue (C57M) did not result in lectin inactivation following H₂O₂ treatment, whereas Cys⁷⁵ mutation to Ser (C75S) led to significantly reduced lectin activity, as is the case for wild-type mGal-2. However, pre-treatment of the C75S mutant with S-nitrosocysteine protected the protein from H₂O₂-induced inactivation. Therefore, Cys⁵⁷ is suggested to be responsible for oxidative inactivation of the mGal-2 protein, and protection of the sulfhydryl group of the Cys⁵⁷ in mGal-2 by S-nitrosylation is likely important for maintaining mGal-2 protein function in an oxidative environment such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Galectin-3 Plays an Important Role in Innate Immunity to Gastric Infection by Helicobacter pylori

We studied the role of galectin-3 (Gal3) in gastric infection by Helicobacter pylori We first demonstrated that Gal3 was selectively expressed by gastric surface epithelial cells and abundantly secreted into the surface mucus layer. We next inoculated H. pylori Sydney strain 1 into wild-type (WT) and Gal3-deficient mice using a stomach tube. At 2 weeks postinoculation, the bacterial cells were mostly trapped within the surface mucus layer in WT mice. In sharp contrast, they infiltrated deep into the gastric glands in Gal3-deficient mice. Bacterial loads in the gastric tissues were also much higher in Gal3-deficient mice than in WT mice. At 6 months postinoculation,H. pylori had successfully colonized within the gastric glands of both WT and Gal3-deficient mice, although the bacterial loads were still higher in the latter. Furthermore, large lymphoid clusters mostly consisting of B cells were frequently observed in the gastric submucosa of Gal3-deficient mice.In vitro, peritoneal macrophages from Gal3-deficient mice were inefficient in killing engulfed H. pylori Furthermore, recombinant Gal3 not only induced rapid aggregation of H. pylori but also exerted a potent bactericidal effect on H. pylori as revealed by propidium iodide uptake and a morphological shift from spiral to coccoid form. However, a minor fraction of bacterial cells, probably transient phase variants of Gal3-binding sugar moieties, escaped killing by Gal3. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Gal3 plays an important role in innate immunity to infection and colonization of H. pylori.

TFF2, a MUC6-binding lectin stabilizing the gastric mucus barrier and more (Review)

The peptide TFF2 (formerly 'spasmolytic polypeptide'), a member of the trefoil factor family (TFF) containing two TFF domains, is mainly expressed together with the mucin MUC6 in the gastric epithelium and duodenal Brunner's glands. Pathologically, TFF2 expression is observed ectopically during stone diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions and in several metaplastic and neoplastic epithelia; most prominent being the 'spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia' (SPEM), which is an established gastric precancerous lesion. TFF2 plays a critical role in maintaining gastric mucosal integrity and appears to restrain tumorigenesis in the stomach. Recently, porcine TFF2 has been shown to interact with the gastric mucin MUC6 and thus stabilize the gastric mucus barrier. On the one hand, TFF2 binds to MUC6 via non-covalent lectin interactions with the glycotope GlcNAcα1→4Galβ1→R. On the other hand, TFF2 is probably also covalently bound to MUC6 via disulfide bridges. Thus, implications for the complex multimeric assembly, cross-linking, and packaging of MUC6 as well as the rheology of gastric mucus are discussed in detail in this review. Furthermore, TFF2 is also expressed in minor amounts in the immune and nervous systems. Thus, similar to galectins, its lectin activity would perfectly enable TFF2 to form multivalent complexes and cross-linked lattices with a plethora of transmembrane glycoproteins and thus modulate different signal transduction processes. This could explain the multiple and diverse biological effects of TFF2 [e.g., motogenic, (anti)apoptotic, and angiogenic effects]. Finally, a function during fertilization is also possible for TFF domains because they occur as shuffled modules in certain zona pellucida proteins.

Comparative secretome analysis of rat stomach under different nutritional status

Obesity is a major public health threat for many industrialised countries. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment against obesity, suggesting that gut derived signals are crucial for energy balance regulation. Several descriptive studies have proven the presence of gastric endogenous systems that modulate energy homeostasis; however, these systems and the interactions between them are still not well known. In the present study, we show for the first time the comparative 2-DE gastric secretome analysis under different nutritional status. We have identified 38 differently secreted proteins by comparing stomach secretomes from tissue explant cultures of rats under feeding, fasting and re-feeding conditions. Among the proteins identified, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was found to be more abundant in gastric secretome and plasma after re-feeding, and downregulated in obesity. Additionally, two calponin-1 species were decreased in feeding state, and other were modulated by nutritional and metabolic conditions. These and other secreted proteins identified in this work may be considered as potential gastrokines implicated in food intake regulation.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The present work has an important impact in the field of obesity, especially in the regulation of body weight maintenance by the stomach. Nowadays, the most effective treatment in the fight against obesity is bariatric surgery, which suggests that stomach derived signals might be crucial for the regulation of the energy homeostasis. However, until now, the knowledge about the gastrokines and its mechanism of action has been poorly elucidated. In the present work, we had updated a previously validated explant secretion model for proteomic studies; this analysis allowed us, for the first time, to study the gastric secretome without interferences from other organs. We had identified 38 differently secreted proteins comparing ex vivo cultured stomachs from rats under feeding, fasting and re-feeding regimes. The results in the present article provide novel targets to study the role of the stomach in body weight and appetite regulation, and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity.

S-nitrosylation of mouse galectin-2 prevents oxidative inactivation by hydrogen peroxide

Galectins are a group of animal lectins characterized by their specificity for β-galactosides. Galectin-2 (Gal-2) is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. A proteomic analysis identified Gal-2 as a protein that was S-nitrosylated when mouse gastric mucosal lysates were reacted with S-nitrosoglutathione, a physiologically relevant S-nitrosylating agent. In the present study, recombinant mouse (m)Gal-2 was S-nitrosylated using nitrosocysteine (CysNO), which had no effect on the sugar-binding specificity and dimerization capacity of the protein. On the other hand, mGal-2 oxidation by H2O2 resulted in the loss of sugar-binding ability, while S-nitrosylation prevented H2O2-inducted inactivation, presumably by protecting the Cys residue(s) in the protein. These results suggest that S-nitrosylation by nitric oxides protect Gal-2 from oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract.

Lectins: getting familiar with translators of the sugar code

The view on the significance of the presence of glycans in glycoconjugates is undergoing a paradigmatic change. Initially mostly considered to be rather inert and passive, the concept of the sugar code identifies glycans as highly versatile platform to store information. Their chemical properties endow carbohydrates to form oligomers with unsurpassed structural variability. Owing to their capacity to engage in hydrogen (and coordination) bonding and C-H/π-interactions these “code words” can be “read” (in Latin, legere) by specific receptors. A distinct class of carbohydrate-binding proteins are the lectins. More than a dozen protein folds have developed carbohydrate-binding capacity in vertebrates. Taking galectins as an example, distinct expression patterns are traced. The availability of labeled endogenous lectins facilitates monitoring of tissue reactivity, extending the scope of lectin histochemistry beyond that which traditionally involved plant lectins. Presentation of glycan and its cognate lectin can be orchestrated, making a glycan-based effector pathway in growth control of tumor and activated T cells possible. In order to unravel the structural basis of lectin specificity for particular glycoconjugates mimetics of branched glycans and programmable models of cell surfaces are being developed by strategic combination of lectin research with synthetic and supramolecular chemistry.

The role of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in the mucosal immune response to Citrobacter rodentium infection

Despite their abundance at gastrointestinal sites, little is known about the role of galectins in gut immune responses. We have therefore investigated the Citrobacter rodentium model of colonic infection and inflammation in Galectin-1 or Galectin-3 null mice. Gal-3 null mice showed a slight delay in colonisation after inoculation with C. rodentium and a slight delay in resolution of infection, associated with delayed T cell, macrophage and dendritic cell infiltration into the gut mucosa. However, Gal-1 null mice also demonstrated reduced T cell and macrophage responses to infection. Despite the reduced T cell and macrophage response in Gal-1 null mice, there was no effect on C. rodentium infection kinetics and pathology. Overall, Gal-1 and Gal-3 play only a minor role in immunity to a gut bacterial pathogen.

Bisected, complex N-glycans and galectins in mouse mammary tumor progression and human breast cancer

Bisected, complex N-glycans on glycoproteins are generated by the glycosyltransferase MGAT3 and cause reduced cell surface binding of galectins. Previously, we showed that MGAT3 reduces growth factor signaling and retards mammary tumor progression driven by the Polyoma middle T antigen (PyMT) expressed in mammary epithelium under the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. However, the penetrance of the tumor phenotype became variable in mixed FVB/N and C57BL/6 female mice and we therefore investigated a congenic C57BL/6 Mgat3(-/-)/MMTV-PyMT model. In the absence of MGAT3, C57BL/6 Mgat3(-/-)/MMTV-PyMT females exhibited accelerated tumor appearance and increased tumor burden, glucose uptake in tumors and lung metastasis. Nevertheless, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 or protein kinase B (AKT) was reduced in ∼20-week C57BL/6 MMTV-PyMT tumors lacking MGAT3. Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein tyrosine kinase Src, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were similar to that of controls. All the eight mouse galectin genes were expressed in mammary tumors and tumor epithelial cells (TECs), but galectin-2 and -12 were not detected by western analysis in tumors, and galectin-7 was not detected in 60% of the TEC lines. From microarray data reported for human breast cancers, at least 10 galectin and 7 N-glycan N-acetylglucosaminyl (GlcNAc)-transferase (MGAT) genes are expressed in tumor tissue, and expression often varies significantly between different breast cancer subtypes. Thus, in summary, while MGAT3 and bisected complex N-glycans retard mouse mammary tumor progression, genetic background may modify this effect; identification of key galectins that promote mammary tumor progression in mice is not straightforward because all the eight galectin genes are expressed; and high levels of MGAT3, galectin-4, -8, -10, -13 and -14 transcripts correlate with better relapse-free survival in human breast cancer.

Fine-tuning of prototype chicken galectins: structure of CG-2 and structure-activity correlations

The comparatively small number of members of the family of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins in chicken predestines this system as an attractive model to study the divergence of these lectins after gene duplication. Expression profiling of the three homodimeric (prototype) chicken galectins (CG-1A, CG-1B and CG-2) has raised evidence of distinct functionalities, explaining the interest in a detailed crystallographic analysis of CG-2. As revealed here, marked differences are found in the ligand-binding site and in the contact pattern within the homodimer interface, underlying a characteristic orientation of the two subunits. Notably, a distinctive trimer of dimers that is unique in all galectin crystal structures reported to date forms the core unit of the crystallographic assembly. Combination with spectroscopic and thermodynamic measurements, and comparisons with CG-1A and CG-1B, identify differential changes in the circular-dichroism spectra in the presence of lactose, reflecting the far-reaching impact of the ligand on hydrodynamic behaviour, and inter-galectin differences in both the entropy and the enthalpy of binding. This structural information is a salient step to complete the analysis of the full set of galectins from this model organism.

Localization and functional properties of two galectin-1 proteins in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) mucosal tissues

Galectin-1 is a β-galactoside binding lectin with multiple immune functions in higher vertebrates. We report the characterization of two galectin-1 proteins from Atlantic cod, with emphasis on mucosal tissues. Tissue distribution of these two ≈14kDa galectin-1 proteins (Codgal1-1 and Codgal1-2) was ascertained by western blotting of one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2DE) gels. The two galectin-1 proteins were differentially localized in the mucosal tissues of cod. Codgal1-1 was predominantly localized in the basal cells of skin and this protein was present in all the early developmental stages examined, indicating a likely involvement in developmental processes. The two lectins were also localized in the adherent macrophage-like cells (MLC) from cod head kidney and results gathered indicate their possible secretion during Francisella noatunensis infection, suggesting that they are active components of immune defence. Lactose affinity chromatography coupled with gel filtration co-purified the two cod galectin-1 proteins, which hemagglutinated horse red blood cells in a lactose inhibitable manner. They also could bind and agglutinate both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study suggests multiple functional roles for galectin-1, especially in development and innate immune response of Atlantic cod.

Intestinal epithelium-derived galectin-9 is involved in the immunomodulating effects of nondigestible oligosaccharides

Dietary intervention using nondigestible oligosaccharides, short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS), in combination with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V prevents allergic disease involving galectin-9. In addition, apical TLR9 signaling contributes to intestinal homeostasis. We studied the contribution of galectin-9 secreted by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC; HT-29 and T84) in Th1 and regulatory T-cell (Treg) polarization in vitro. IEC were grown in transwell filters, cocultured with CD3/CD28-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and apically exposed to genomic DNA derived from B. breve M-16V or synthetic TLR9 ligand in the absence or presence of scGOS/lcFOS. Cytokine production and T-cell phenotype were determined and galectin expression by IEC was assessed. Galectin-9 was neutralized using lactose or a TIM-3-Fc fusion protein. IEC exposed to DNA from B. breve M-16V or TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS enhanced IFN-γ secretion by PBMC and increased the percentage of Th1 and Treg cells. Expression and secretion of galectin-9 by IEC was increased and neutralization of galectin-9 prevented the induction of IFN-γ secretion and also suppressed the production of IL-10 by PBMC. Furthermore, we show that galectin-9 induces Treg and Th1 polarization through interaction with antigen-presenting cells. Our findings show that galectin-9 secreted by IEC apically exposed to TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS is involved in Th1 and Treg polarization and may be a promising target to prevent or treat allergic disease.

Intestinal epithelium-derived galectin-9 is involved in the immunomodulating effects of nondigestible oligosaccharides

Dietary intervention using nondigestible oligosaccharides, short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS), in combination with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V prevents allergic disease involving galectin-9. In addition, apical TLR9 signaling contributes to intestinal homeostasis. We studied the contribution of galectin-9 secreted by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC; HT-29 and T84) in Th1 and regulatory T-cell (Treg) polarization in vitro. IEC were grown in transwell filters, cocultured with CD3/CD28-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and apically exposed to genomic DNA derived from B. breve M-16V or synthetic TLR9 ligand in the absence or presence of scGOS/lcFOS. Cytokine production and T-cell phenotype were determined and galectin expression by IEC was assessed. Galectin-9 was neutralized using lactose or a TIM-3-Fc fusion protein. IEC exposed to DNA from B. breve M-16V or TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS enhanced IFN-γ secretion by PBMC and increased the percentage of Th1 and Treg cells. Expression and secretion of galectin-9 by IEC was increased and neutralization of galectin-9 prevented the induction of IFN-γ secretion and also suppressed the production of IL-10 by PBMC. Furthermore, we show that galectin-9 induces Treg and Th1 polarization through interaction with antigen-presenting cells. Our findings show that galectin-9 secreted by IEC apically exposed to TLR9 ligand in the presence of scGOS/lcFOS is involved in Th1 and Treg polarization and may be a promising target to prevent or treat allergic disease.

Detection of galectin-3 interaction with commensal bacteria

A panel of commensal bacteria was screened for the ability to interact with galectin-3. Two strains of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis interacted to a greater extent than did the pathogenic positive control, Escherichia coli NCTC 12900. Further validation of the interaction was achieved by using agglutination and solid-phase binding assays.

Expression patterns suggest that despite considerable functional redundancy, galectin-4 and -6 play distinct roles in normal and damaged mouse digestive tract

The galectin-4 protein is mostly expressed in the digestive tract and is associated with lipid raft stabilization, protein apical trafficking, wound healing, and inflammation. While most mammalian species, including humans, have a single Lgals4 gene, some mice have two paralogues: Lgals4 and Lgals6. So far, their significant similarities have hindered the analysis of their respective expression and function. We took advantage of two antibodies that discriminate between the galectin-4 and galectin-6 proteins to document their patterns of expression in the normal and the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-damaged digestive tract in the mouse. In the normal digestive tract, their pattern of expression from tongue to colon is quite similar, which suggests functional redundancy. However, the presence of galectin-4, but not galectin-6, in the lamina propria of the DSS-damaged colon, its association with luminal colonic bacteria, and differences in subcellular localization of these proteins suggest that they also have distinct roles in the normal and the damaged mouse digestive tract. Our results provide a rare example of ancestral and derived functions evolving after tandem gene duplication.

Ethanol exposure alters protein expression in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Alcohol exposure during development can result in variable growth retardation and facial dysmorphology known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying the disorder are not fully understood, recent progress has been made that alcohol induces aberrant changes in gene expression and in the epigenome of embryos. To inform the gene and epigenetic changes in alcohol-induced teratology, we used whole-embryo culture to identify the alcohol-signature protein profile of neurulating C6 mice. Alcohol-treated and control cultures were homogenized, isoelectrically focused, and loaded for 2D gel electrophoresis. Stained gels were cross matched with analytical software. We identified 40 differentially expressed protein spots (P < 0.01), and 9 spots were selected for LC/MS-MS identification. Misregulated proteins include serotransferrin, triosephosphate isomerase and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 N. Misregulation of serotransferrin and triosephosphate isomerase was confirmed with immunologic analysis. Alteration of proteins with roles in cellular function, cell cycle, and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway was induced by alcohol. Several misregulated proteins interact with effectors of the NF-κB and Myc transcription factor cascades. Using a whole-embryo culture, we have identified misregulated proteins known to be involved in nervous system development and function.

Galectin-4, a novel neuronal regulator of myelination

Myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes (OLGs) is essential for proper saltatory nerve conduction, i.e., rapid transmission of nerve impulses. Among others, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, neuronal signaling, and axonal adhesion regulate the biogenesis and maintenance of myelin membranes, driven by polarized transport of myelin-specific proteins and lipids. Galectin-4, a tandem-repeat-type lectin with affinity to sulfatide and nonsialylated termini of N-glycans, has the ability to regulate adhesion of cells to ECM components and is also involved in polarized membrane trafficking. We, therefore, anticipated that galectin-4 might play a role in myelination. Here, we show that in developing postnatal rat brains galectin-4 expression is downregulated just before the onset of myelination. Intriguingly, when immature OLGs were treated with galectin-4, OLG maturation was retarded, while a subset of the immature OLGs reverted to a morphologically less complex progenitor stage, displaying concomitantly an increase in proliferation. Similarly, myelination was inhibited when galectin-4 or anti-galectin-4 antibodies were added to co-cultures of dorsal root ganglion neurons and OLGs. Neurons and OLGs were identified as a possible source of galectin-4, both in vitro and in vivo. In culture, neurons but not OLGs released galectin-4. Interestingly, in co-cultures, a reduced release of endogenous galectin-4 correlated with the onset of myelination. Moreover, galectin-4-reactive sites are transiently expressed on processes of premyelinating primary OLGs, but not on neurons. Taken together, these results identify neuronal galectin-4 as a candidate for a soluble regulator of OLG differentiation and, hence, myelination. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Galectin-9 induced by dietary synbiotics is involved in suppression of allergic symptoms in mice and humans

BACKGROUND

Prebiotic galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS) resembling non-digestible oligosaccharides in human milk reduce the development of atopic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Galectins are soluble-type lectins recognizing β-galactoside containing glycans. Galectin-9 has been shown to regulate mast cell degranulation and T-cell differentiation. In this study, the involvement of galectin-9 as a mechanism by which scGOS/lcFOS in combination with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V protects against acute allergic symptoms was investigated.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized orally to whey, while being fed with a diet containing scGOS/lcFOS and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (GF/Bb) or a control diet. Galectin-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in the intestine and measured in the serum by ELISA. T-cell differentiation was investigated in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) as well as in galectin-9-exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultures. Sera of the mice were evaluated for the capacity to suppress mast cell degranulation using a RBL-2H3 degranulation assay. In addition, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial, galectin-9 levels were measured in the sera of 90 infants with atopic dermatitis who received hydrolyzed formulae with or without GF/Bb.

RESULTS

Galectin-9 expression by intestinal epithelial cells and serum galectin-9 levels were increased in mice and humans following dietary intervention with GF/Bb and correlated with reduced acute allergic skin reaction and mast cell degranulation. In addition, GF/Bb enhanced T(h)1- and T(reg)-cell differentiation in MLN and in PBMC cultures exposed to galectin-9.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation with GF/Bb enhances serum galectin-9 levels, which associates with the prevention of allergic symptoms.