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Lewis JE, Nuzzaci D, James-Okoro PP, Montaner M, O'Flaherty E, Darwish T, Hayashi M, Liberles SD, Hornigold D, Naylor J, Baker D, Gribble FM, Reimann F. Stimulating intestinal GIP release reduces food intake and body weight in mice. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101945. [PMID: 38653401 PMCID: PMC11070708 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is well established as an incretin hormone, boosting glucose-dependent insulin secretion. However, whilst anorectic actions of its sister-incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are well established, a physiological role for GIP in appetite regulation is controversial, despite the superior weight loss seen in preclinical models and humans with GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists compared with GLP-1R agonism alone. METHODS We generated a mouse model in which GIP expressing K-cells can be activated through hM3Dq Designer Receptor Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD, GIP-Dq) to explore physiological actions of intestinally-released GIP. RESULTS In lean mice, Dq-stimulation of GIP expressing cells increased plasma GIP to levels similar to those found postprandially. The increase in GIP was associated with improved glucose tolerance, as expected, but also triggered an unexpected robust inhibition of food intake. Validating that this represented a response to intestinally-released GIP, the suppression of food intake was prevented by injecting mice peripherally or centrally with antagonistic GIPR-antibodies, and was reproduced in an intersectional model utilising Gip-Cre/Villin-Flp to limit Dq transgene expression to K-cells in the intestinal epithelium. The effects of GIP cell activation were maintained in diet induced obese mice, in which chronic K-cell activation reduced food intake and attenuated body weight gain. CONCLUSIONS These studies establish a physiological gut-brain GIP-axis regulating food intake in mice, adding to the multi-faceted metabolic effects of GIP which need to be taken into account when developing GIPR-targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo E. Lewis
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Danae Nuzzaci
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paula-Peace James-Okoro
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mireia Montaner
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisabeth O'Flaherty
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tamana Darwish
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marito Hayashi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen D. Liberles
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Hornigold
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jacqueline Naylor
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Baker
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona M. Gribble
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories & MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Sahasrabudhe A, Rupprecht LE, Orguc S, Khudiyev T, Tanaka T, Sands J, Zhu W, Tabet A, Manthey M, Allen H, Loke G, Antonini MJ, Rosenfeld D, Park J, Garwood IC, Yan W, Niroui F, Fink Y, Chandrakasan A, Bohórquez DV, Anikeeva P. Multifunctional microelectronic fibers enable wireless modulation of gut and brain neural circuits. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:892-904. [PMID: 37349522 PMCID: PMC11180606 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01833-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Progress in understanding brain-viscera interoceptive signaling is hindered by a dearth of implantable devices suitable for probing both brain and peripheral organ neurophysiology during behavior. Here we describe multifunctional neural interfaces that combine the scalability and mechanical versatility of thermally drawn polymer-based fibers with the sophistication of microelectronic chips for organs as diverse as the brain and the gut. Our approach uses meters-long continuous fibers that can integrate light sources, electrodes, thermal sensors and microfluidic channels in a miniature footprint. Paired with custom-fabricated control modules, the fibers wirelessly deliver light for optogenetics and transfer data for physiological recording. We validate this technology by modulating the mesolimbic reward pathway in the mouse brain. We then apply the fibers in the anatomically challenging intestinal lumen and demonstrate wireless control of sensory epithelial cells that guide feeding behaviors. Finally, we show that optogenetic stimulation of vagal afferents from the intestinal lumen is sufficient to evoke a reward phenotype in untethered mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atharva Sahasrabudhe
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura E Rupprecht
- Laboratory of Gut Brain Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sirma Orguc
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tural Khudiyev
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tomo Tanaka
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Secure System Platform Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Joanna Sands
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Weikun Zhu
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anthony Tabet
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie Manthey
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Harrison Allen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gabriel Loke
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marc-Joseph Antonini
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT Health Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dekel Rosenfeld
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jimin Park
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Indie C Garwood
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT Health Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wei Yan
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Farnaz Niroui
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yoel Fink
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anantha Chandrakasan
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Diego V Bohórquez
- Laboratory of Gut Brain Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Polina Anikeeva
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Gruber T, Lechner F, Krieger JP, García-Cáceres C. Neuroendocrine gut-brain signaling in obesity. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00120-6. [PMID: 38821753 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The past decades have witnessed the rise and fall of several, largely unsuccessful, therapeutic attempts to bring the escalating obesity pandemic to a halt. Looking back to look ahead, the field has now put its highest hopes in translating insights from how the gastrointestinal (GI) tract communicates with the brain to calibrate behavior, physiology, and metabolism. A major focus of this review is to summarize the latest advances in comprehending the neuroendocrine aspects of this so-called 'gut-brain axis' and to explore novel concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and recent paradigm-shifting experiments. These exciting insights continue to refine our understanding of gut-brain crosstalk and are poised to promote the development of additional therapeutic avenues at the dawn of a new era of antiobesity therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Gruber
- Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA; Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Lechner
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cristina García-Cáceres
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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4
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Spencer NJ, Kyloh MA, Travis L, Hibberd TJ. Mechanisms underlying the gut-brain communication: How enterochromaffin (EC) cells activate vagal afferent nerve endings in the small intestine. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25613. [PMID: 38625817 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
How the gastrointestinal tract communicates with the brain, via sensory nerves, is of significant interest for our understanding of human health and disease. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut mucosa release a variety of neurochemicals, including the largest quantity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the body. How 5-HT and other substances released from EC cells activate sensory nerve endings in the gut wall remains a major unresolved mystery. We used in vivo anterograde tracing from nodose ganglia to determine the spatial relationship between 5-HT synthesizing and peptide-YY (PYY)-synthesizing EC cells and their proximity to vagal afferent nerve endings that project to the mucosa of mouse small intestine. The shortest mean distances between single 5-HT- and PYY-synthesizing EC cells and the nearest vagal afferent nerve endings in the mucosa were 33.1 ± 14.4 µm (n = 56; N = 6) and 70.3 ± 32.3 µm (n = 16; N = 6). No morphological evidence was found to suggest that 5-HT- or PYY-containing EC cells form close morphological associations with vagal afferents endings, or varicose axons of passage. The large distances between EC cells and vagal afferent endings are many hundreds of times greater than those known to underlie synaptic transmission in the nervous system (typically 10-15 nm). Taken together, the findings lead to the inescapable conclusion that communication between 5-HT-containing EC cells and vagal afferent nerve endings in the mucosa of the mouse small intestinal occurs in a paracrine fashion, via diffusion. New and Noteworthy None of the findings here are consistent with a view that close physical contacts occur between 5-HT-containing EC cells and vagal afferent nerve endings in mouse small intestine. Rather, the findings suggest that gut-brain communication between EC cells and vagal afferent endings occurs via passive diffusion. The morphological data presented do not support the view that EC cells are physically close enough to vagal afferent endings to communicate via fast synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick J Spencer
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute & College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melinda A Kyloh
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute & College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lee Travis
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute & College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Hibberd
- Visceral Neurophysiology Laboratory, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute & College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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5
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Cao Y, Li R, Bai L. Vagal sensory pathway for the gut-brain communication. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:228-243. [PMID: 37558522 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.009] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The communication between the gut and brain is crucial for regulating various essential physiological functions, such as energy balance, fluid homeostasis, immune response, and emotion. The vagal sensory pathway plays an indispensable role in connecting the gut to the brain. Recently, our knowledge of the vagal gut-brain axis has significantly advanced through molecular genetic studies, revealing a diverse range of vagal sensory cell types with distinct peripheral innervations, response profiles, and physiological functions. Here, we review the current understanding of how vagal sensory neurons contribute to gut-brain communication. First, we highlight recent transcriptomic and genetic approaches that have characterized different vagal sensory cell types. Then, we focus on discussing how different subtypes encode numerous gut-derived signals and how their activities are translated into physiological and behavioral regulations. The emerging insights into the diverse cell types and functional properties of vagal sensory neurons have paved the way for exciting future directions, which may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for disorders involving gut-brain communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Cao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Rui Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
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6
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Wang RL, Chang RB. The Coding Logic of Interoception. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:301-327. [PMID: 38061018 PMCID: PMC11103614 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-023455] [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: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Interoception, the ability to precisely and timely sense internal body signals, is critical for life. The interoceptive system monitors a large variety of mechanical, chemical, hormonal, and pathological cues using specialized organ cells, organ innervating neurons, and brain sensory neurons. It is important for maintaining body homeostasis, providing motivational drives, and regulating autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral functions. However, compared to external sensory systems, our knowledge about how diverse body signals are coded at a system level is quite limited. In this review, we focus on the unique features of interoceptive signals and the organization of the interoceptive system, with the goal of better understanding the coding logic of interoception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi L Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Rui B Chang
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
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7
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Zimmerman CA, Pan-Vazquez A, Wu B, Keppler EF, Guthman EM, Fetcho RN, Bolkan SS, McMannon B, Lee J, Hoag AT, Lynch LA, Janarthanan SR, López Luna JF, Bondy AG, Falkner AL, Wang SSH, Witten IB. A neural mechanism for learning from delayed postingestive feedback. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.06.561214. [PMID: 37873112 PMCID: PMC10592633 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.06.561214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Animals learn the value of foods based on their postingestive effects and thereby develop aversions to foods that are toxic1-6 and preferences to those that are nutritious7-14. However, it remains unclear how the brain is able to assign credit to flavors experienced during a meal with postingestive feedback signals that can arise after a substantial delay. Here, we reveal an unexpected role for postingestive reactivation of neural flavor representations in this temporal credit assignment process. To begin, we leverage the fact that mice learn to associate novel15-18, but not familiar, flavors with delayed gastric malaise signals to investigate how the brain represents flavors that support aversive postingestive learning. Surveying cellular resolution brainwide activation patterns reveals that a network of amygdala regions is unique in being preferentially activated by novel flavors across every stage of the learning process: the initial meal, delayed malaise, and memory retrieval. By combining high-density recordings in the amygdala with optogenetic stimulation of genetically defined hindbrain malaise cells, we find that postingestive malaise signals potently and specifically reactivate amygdalar novel flavor representations from a recent meal. The degree of malaise-driven reactivation of individual neurons predicts strengthening of flavor responses upon memory retrieval, leading to stabilization of the population-level representation of the recently consumed flavor. In contrast, meals without postingestive consequences degrade neural flavor representations as flavors become familiar and safe. Thus, our findings demonstrate that interoceptive reactivation of amygdalar flavor representations provides a neural mechanism to resolve the temporal credit assignment problem inherent to postingestive learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bichan Wu
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Emma F Keppler
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Eartha Mae Guthman
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Robert N Fetcho
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Scott S Bolkan
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Brenna McMannon
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Junuk Lee
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Austin T Hoag
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Laura A Lynch
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Juan F López Luna
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Adrian G Bondy
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Annegret L Falkner
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Samuel S-H Wang
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Ilana B Witten
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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8
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Vossen C, Schmidt P, Wunderlich CM, Mittenbühler MJ, Tapken C, Wienand P, Mirabella PN, Cabot L, Schumacher AL, Folz-Donahue K, Kukat C, Voigt I, Brüning JC, Fenselau H, Wunderlich FT. An Approach to Intersectionally Target Mature Enteroendocrine Cells in the Small Intestine of Mice. Cells 2024; 13:102. [PMID: 38201306 PMCID: PMC10778503 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) constitute only a small proportion of Villin-1 (Vil1)-expressing intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of the gastrointestinal tract; yet, in sum, they build the largest endocrine organ of the body, with each of them storing and releasing a distinct set of peptides for the control of feeding behavior, glucose metabolism, and gastrointestinal motility. Like all IEC types, EECs are continuously renewed from intestinal stem cells in the crypt base and terminally differentiate into mature subtypes while moving up the crypt-villus axis. Interestingly, EECs adjust their hormonal secretion according to their migration state as EECs receive altering differentiation signals along the crypt-villus axis and thus undergo functional readaptation. Cell-specific targeting of mature EEC subtypes by specific promoters is challenging because the expression of EEC-derived peptides and their precursors is not limited to EECs but are also found in other organs, such as the brain (e.g., Cck and Sst) as well as in the pancreas (e.g., Sst and Gcg). Here, we describe an intersectional genetic approach that enables cell type-specific targeting of functionally distinct EEC subtypes by combining a newly generated Dre-recombinase expressing mouse line (Vil1-2A-DD-Dre) with multiple existing Cre-recombinase mice and mouse strains with rox and loxP sites flanked stop cassettes for transgene expression. We found that transgene expression in triple-transgenic mice is highly specific in I but not D and L cells in the terminal villi of the small intestine. The targeting of EECs only in terminal villi is due to the integration of a defective 2A separating peptide that, combined with low EEC intrinsic Vil1 expression, restricts our Vil1-2A-DD-Dre mouse line and the intersectional genetic approach described here only applicable for the investigation of mature EEC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vossen
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Patricia Schmidt
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Maria Wunderlich
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Melanie Joyce Mittenbühler
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Claas Tapken
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Wienand
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul Nicolas Mirabella
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Research Group Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Leonie Cabot
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Research Group Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schumacher
- FACS & Imaging Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.-L.S.)
| | - Kat Folz-Donahue
- FACS & Imaging Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.-L.S.)
| | - Christian Kukat
- FACS & Imaging Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.-L.S.)
| | - Ingo Voigt
- Transgenic Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Jens C. Brüning
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Department of neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Research Group Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - F. Thomas Wunderlich
- Obesity and Cancer Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany; (P.N.M.); (J.C.B.); (H.F.)
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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9
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Bany Bakar R, Reimann F, Gribble FM. The intestine as an endocrine organ and the role of gut hormones in metabolic regulation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:784-796. [PMID: 37626258 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Gut hormones orchestrate pivotal physiological processes in multiple metabolically active tissues, including the pancreas, liver, adipose tissue, gut and central nervous system, making them attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most gut hormones are derived from enteroendocrine cells, but bioactive peptides that are derived from other intestinal epithelial cell types have also been implicated in metabolic regulation and can be considered gut hormones. A deeper understanding of the complex inter-organ crosstalk mediated by the intestinal endocrine system is a prerequisite for designing more effective drugs that are based on or target gut hormones and their receptors, and extending their therapeutic potential beyond obesity and diabetes mellitus. In this Review, we present an overview of gut hormones that are involved in the regulation of metabolism and discuss their action in the gastrointestinal system and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rula Bany Bakar
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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10
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Reimann F. Dorothy Hodgkin lecture 2023: The enteroendocrine system-Sensors in your guts. Diabet Med 2023; 40:e15212. [PMID: 37638546 PMCID: PMC10946932 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medication is now widely employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Like other gut hormones, GLP-1 is released from eneteroendocrine cells after a meal and in this review, based on the Dorothy Hodgkin lecture delivered during the annual meeting of Diabetes UK in 2023, I argue that there is sufficient spare capacity of GLP-1 and other gut hormone expressing cells that could be recruited therapeutically. Years of research has revealed several receptors expressed in enteroendocrine cells that could be targeted to stimulate hormone release: although from this research it seems unlikely to find agents that selectively boost GLP-1, release of a mixture of hormones might be the more desirable outcome anyway, given the recent promising results of new peptides combining GLP1-receptor with other gut hormone receptor activation. Alternatively, the fact that GLP-1 and peptideYY (PYY) expressing cells are found in greater density in the ileum might be exploited by increasing the delivery of chyme to the distal small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Reimann
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryInstitute of Metabolic Science & MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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11
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Ly T, Oh JY, Sivakumar N, Shehata S, La Santa Medina N, Huang H, Liu Z, Fang W, Barnes C, Dundar N, Jarvie BC, Ravi A, Barnhill OK, Li C, Lee GR, Choi J, Jang H, Knight ZA. Sequential appetite suppression by oral and visceral feedback to the brainstem. Nature 2023; 624:130-137. [PMID: 37993711 PMCID: PMC10700140 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The termination of a meal is controlled by dedicated neural circuits in the caudal brainstem. A key challenge is to understand how these circuits transform the sensory signals generated during feeding into dynamic control of behaviour. The caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) is the first site in the brain where many meal-related signals are sensed and integrated1-4, but how the cNTS processes ingestive feedback during behaviour is unknown. Here we describe how prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH) and GCG neurons, two principal cNTS cell types that promote non-aversive satiety, are regulated during ingestion. PRLH neurons showed sustained activation by visceral feedback when nutrients were infused into the stomach, but these sustained responses were substantially reduced during oral consumption. Instead, PRLH neurons shifted to a phasic activity pattern that was time-locked to ingestion and linked to the taste of food. Optogenetic manipulations revealed that PRLH neurons control the duration of seconds-timescale feeding bursts, revealing a mechanism by which orosensory signals feed back to restrain the pace of ingestion. By contrast, GCG neurons were activated by mechanical feedback from the gut, tracked the amount of food consumed and promoted satiety that lasted for tens of minutes. These findings reveal that sequential negative feedback signals from the mouth and gut engage distinct circuits in the caudal brainstem, which in turn control elements of feeding behaviour operating on short and long timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truong Ly
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jun Y Oh
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nilla Sivakumar
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Shehata
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Naymalis La Santa Medina
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heidi Huang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhengya Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Fang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chris Barnes
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Naz Dundar
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brooke C Jarvie
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anagh Ravi
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Olivia K Barnhill
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chelsea Li
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Grace R Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jaewon Choi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heeun Jang
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zachary A Knight
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, 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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12
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Münzberg H, Berthoud HR, Neuhuber WL. Sensory spinal interoceptive pathways and energy balance regulation. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101817. [PMID: 37806487 PMCID: PMC10590858 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Interoception plays an important role in homeostatic regulation of energy intake and metabolism. Major interoceptive pathways include gut-to-brain and adipose tissue-to brain signaling via vagal sensory nerves and hormones, such as leptin. However, signaling via spinal sensory neurons is rapidly emerging as an additional important signaling pathway. Here we provide an in-depth review of the known anatomy and functions of spinal sensory pathways and discuss potential mechanisms relevant for energy balance homeostasis in health and disease. Because sensory innervation by dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons goes far beyond vagally innervated viscera and includes adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and skin, it is in a position to provide much more complete metabolic information to the brain. Molecular and anatomical identification of function specific DRG neurons will be important steps in designing pharmacological and neuromodulation approaches to affect energy balance regulation in disease states such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Münzberg
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Hans-Rudolf Berthoud
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Winfried L Neuhuber
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany.
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13
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Londregan A, Alexander TD, Covarrubias M, Waldman SA. Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: The role of enteroendocrine cells in visceral pain. J Neurochem 2023; 167:719-732. [PMID: 38037432 PMCID: PMC10917140 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
While visceral pain is commonly associated with disorders of the gut-brain axis, underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervate visceral structures and undergo hypersensitization in inflammatory models. The characterization of peripheral DRG neuron terminals is an active area of research, but recent work suggests that they communicate with enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the gut. EECs sense stimuli in the intestinal lumen and communicate information to the brain through hormonal and electrical signaling. In that context, EECs are a target for developing therapeutics to treat visceral pain. Linaclotide is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic constipation that activates the intestinal membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C). Clinical trials revealed that linaclotide relieves both constipation and visceral pain. We recently demonstrated that the analgesic effect of linaclotide reflects the overexpression of GUCY2C on neuropod cells, a specialized subtype of EECs. While this brings some clarity to the relationship between linaclotide and visceral analgesia, questions remain about the intracellular signaling mechanisms and neurotransmitters mediating this communication. In this Fundamental Neurochemistry Review, we discuss what is currently known about visceral nociceptors, enteroendocrine cells, and the gut-brain axis, and ongoing areas of research regarding that axis and visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Londregan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Tyler D. Alexander
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Vicki & Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience at Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Vicki & Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience at Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
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14
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Barton JR, Londregan AK, Alexander TD, Entezari AA, Covarrubias M, Waldman SA. Enteroendocrine cell regulation of the gut-brain axis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1272955. [PMID: 38027512 PMCID: PMC10662325 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1272955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are an essential interface between the gut and brain that communicate signals about nutrients, pain, and even information from our microbiome. EECs are hormone-producing cells expressed throughout the gastrointestinal epithelium and have been leveraged by pharmaceuticals like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), terzepatide (Mounjaro), and retatrutide (Phase 2) for diabetes and weight control, and linaclotide (Linzess) to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and visceral pain. This review focuses on role of intestinal EECs to communicate signals from the gut lumen to the brain. Canonically, EECs communicate information about the intestinal environment through a variety of hormones, dividing EECs into separate classes based on the hormone each cell type secretes. Recent studies have revealed more diverse hormone profiles and communication modalities for EECs including direct synaptic communication with peripheral neurons. EECs known as neuropod cells rapidly relay signals from gut to brain via a direct communication with vagal and primary sensory neurons. Further, this review discusses the complex information processing machinery within EECs, including receptors that transduce intraluminal signals and the ion channel complement that govern initiation and propagation of these signals. Deeper understanding of EEC physiology is necessary to safely treat devastating and pervasive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Barton
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Annie K. Londregan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tyler D. Alexander
- Department of Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ariana A. Entezari
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Manuel Covarrubias
- Department of Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Scott A. Waldman
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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15
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Mirabella PN, Fenselau H. Advanced neurobiological tools to interrogate metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:639-654. [PMID: 37674015 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Engineered neurobiological tools for the manipulation of cellular activity, such as chemogenetics and optogenetics, have become a cornerstone of modern neuroscience research. These tools are invaluable for the interrogation of the central control of metabolism as they provide a direct means to establish a causal relationship between brain activity and biological processes at the cellular, tissue and organismal levels. The utility of these methods has grown substantially due to advances in cellular-targeting strategies, alongside improvements in the resolution and potency of such tools. Furthermore, the potential to recapitulate endogenous cellular signalling has been enriched by insights into the molecular signatures and activity dynamics of discrete brain cell types. However, each modulatory tool has a specific set of advantages and limitations; therefore, tool selection and suitability are of paramount importance to optimally interrogate the cellular and circuit-based underpinnings of metabolic outcomes within the organism. Here, we describe the key principles and uses of engineered neurobiological tools. We also highlight inspiring applications and outline critical considerations to be made when using these tools within the field of metabolism research. We contend that the appropriate application of these biotechnological advances will enable the delineation of the central circuitry regulating systemic metabolism with unprecedented potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Nicholas Mirabella
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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16
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Brüning JC, Fenselau H. Integrative neurocircuits that control metabolism and food intake. Science 2023; 381:eabl7398. [PMID: 37769095 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl7398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Systemic metabolism has to be constantly adjusted to the variance of food intake and even be prepared for anticipated changes in nutrient availability. Therefore, the brain integrates multiple homeostatic signals with numerous cues that predict future deviations in energy supply. Recently, our understanding of the neural pathways underlying these regulatory principles-as well as their convergence in the hypothalamus as the key coordinator of food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose metabolism-have been revealed. These advances have changed our view of brain-dependent control of metabolic physiology. In this Review, we discuss new concepts about how alterations in these pathways contribute to the development of prevalent metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and how this emerging knowledge may provide new targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Preventive Medicine (PEDP), University Hospital Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Research Group Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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17
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Foreman R, Miedzybrodzka EL, Eiríksson FF, Thorsteinsdóttir M, Bannon C, Wheller R, Reimann F, Gribble FM, Kay RG. Optimized LC-MS/MS Method for the Detection of ppCCK(21-44): A Surrogate to Monitor Human Cholecystokinin Secretion. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2950-2958. [PMID: 37591880 PMCID: PMC10476265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted postprandially from duodenal enteroendocrine cells and circulates in the low picomolar range. Detection of this digestion and appetite-regulating hormone currently relies on the use of immunoassays, many of which suffer from insufficient sensitivity in the physiological range and cross-reactivity problems with gastrin, which circulates at higher plasma concentrations. As an alternative to existing techniques, a liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry-based method was developed to measure CCK-derived peptides in cell culture supernatants. The method was initially applied to organoid studies and was capable of detecting both CCK8 and an N-terminal peptide fragment (prepro) ppCCK(21-44) in supernatants following stimulation. Extraction optimization was performed using statistical modeling software, enabling a quantitative LC-MS/MS method for ppCCK(21-44) capable of detecting this peptide in the low pM range in human plasma and secretion buffer solutions. Plasma samples from healthy individuals receiving a standardized meal (Ensure) after an overnight fast were analyzed; however, the method only had sensitivity to detect ppCCK(21-44). Secretion studies employing human intestinal organoids and meal studies in healthy volunteers confirmed that ppCCK(21-44) is a suitable surrogate analyte for measuring the release of CCK in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel
E. Foreman
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
- Peptidomics
and Proteomics Core Facility, Level 4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic
Science, Addenbrooke’s
Hospital, Cambridge CB2
0QQ, U.K.
| | - Emily L. Miedzybrodzka
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
| | | | | | - Christopher Bannon
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
| | - Robert Wheller
- Drug
Development Solutions, Part of Alliance Pharma Ltd., Fordham CB7 5WW, U.K.
| | - Frank Reimann
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
| | - Fiona M. Gribble
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
| | - Richard G. Kay
- Wellcome-MRC
Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Level
4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
- Peptidomics
and Proteomics Core Facility, Level 4, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic
Science, Addenbrooke’s
Hospital, Cambridge CB2
0QQ, U.K.
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18
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Atanga R, Singh V, In JG. Intestinal Enteroendocrine Cells: Present and Future Druggable Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108836. [PMID: 37240181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteroendocrine cells are specialized secretory lineage cells in the small and large intestines that secrete hormones and peptides in response to luminal contents. The various hormones and peptides can act upon neighboring cells and as part of the endocrine system, circulate systemically via immune cells and the enteric nervous system. Locally, enteroendocrine cells have a major role in gastrointestinal motility, nutrient sensing, and glucose metabolism. Targeting the intestinal enteroendocrine cells or mimicking hormone secretion has been an important field of study in obesity and other metabolic diseases. Studies on the importance of these cells in inflammatory and auto-immune diseases have only recently been reported. The rapid global increase in metabolic and inflammatory diseases suggests that increased understanding and novel therapies are needed. This review will focus on the association between enteroendocrine changes and metabolic and inflammatory disease progression and conclude with the future of enteroendocrine cells as potential druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Atanga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Julie G In
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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