Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Knockout Research Articles

Cdc42 Rho GTPase Activity Sustains Epithelial Barrier Function in the Cystic Fibrosis Intestine

Increased paracellular permeability is a common manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) intestinal disease in people with CF and in CF mouse models. Increased paracellular permeability has been found in CF airway epithelium cultured in the absence of inflammatory factors, suggesting an inherent defect in CF epithelial barrier function (Weiser et al., Cell Physiol Biochem. 2011;28(2):289-96). CF transmembrane conductance regulator knockout ( Cftr KO) mouse intestinal crypts demonstrate an increase in epithelial cell proliferation, which correlates with an alkaline intracellular pH (pHi), a pHi-dependent increase in lateral cell membrane localization of the Wnt transducer Disheveled (Dvl), and increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling (Strubberg et al., Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Dec 7;5(3):253-271). We hypothesized that the alkaline pHi of Cftr KO crypts also facilitates Dvl-dependent noncanonical Wnt signaling to increase Rho GTPase activity and thereby tight junction remodeling during increased proliferation. In Dvl2-eGFP rescue mice, Dvl2-eGFP intensity near the apical membrane of Cftr KO enteroid crypts was greater versus wild-type (WT) at both the crypt base and the transit-amplifying zone. Immunofluorescence studies of both freshly isolated crypts and early passage enteroids also found increased accumulation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42 at the tight junctions of Cftr KO versus WT crypts. Live imaging revealed a small increase in leak pathway permeability (3kD dextran) in Cftr KO as compared to WT murine enteroids. Increased leak permeability and Cdc42 tight junction localization were normalized in Cftr KO enteroids by suppressing proliferation through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. There was no difference in Cdc42 expression in Cftr KO fresh crypts or enteroids, but initial studies show increased Cdc42 GTP-loaded activity in Cftr KO enteroids relative to WT. Similarly, CFTR KO human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, which also show an alkaline pHi, increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling and a hyperproliferative phenotype, demonstrated a significant increase in GTP-loaded Cdc42 activity compared to WT cells. Inhibition of Cdc42 activity with ML141 (R&D Systems) resulted in a significant disruption of the Cftr KO epithelial barrier, whereas WT enteroid permeability was not affected by Cdc42 inhibition, Wnt inhibition or Wnt3a-induced proliferation. We conclude that increased Cdc42 Rho GTPase activity is cell-autonomous and is necessary for maintaining barrier integrity of the Cftr KO crypt epithelium. This work was supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation grant CLARKE20G0 and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation grant #693938. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Prominent role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related liver disease in mice

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) is a chronic cholangiopathy that increases morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. Current treatments are unsatisfactory, and incomplete understanding of CFLD pathogenesis hampers therapeutic development. We have previously shown that mouse CF cholangiocytes respond to lipopolysaccharide with excessive inflammation. Thus, we investigated the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of CFLD. Wild-type (WT), whole-body Cftr knockout (CFTR-KO) and gut-corrected (CFTR-KO-GC) mice were studied. Liver changes were assessed by immunohistochemistry and single-cell transcriptomics (single-cell RNA sequencing), inflammatory mediators were analysed by proteome array, faecal microbiota by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and gut permeability by FITC-dextran assay. The livers of CFTR-KO mice showed ductular proliferation and periportal inflammation, whereas livers of CFTR-KO-GC mice had no evident pathology. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of periportal cells showed increased presence of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells, and activation of pro-inflammatory and pathogen-mediated immune pathways in CFTR-KO livers, consistent with a response to gut-derived stimuli. CFTR-KO mice exhibited gut dysbiosis with enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp., which was associated with increased intestinal permeability and mucosal inflammation, whereas gut dysbiosis and inflammation were absent in CFTR-KO-GC mice. Treatment with nonabsorbable antibiotics ameliorated intestinal permeability and liver inflammation in CFTR-KO mice. Faecal microbiota transfer from CFTR-KO to germ-free WT mice did not result in dysbiosis nor liver pathology, indicating that defective intestinal CFTR is required to maintain dysbiosis. Defective CFTR in the gut sustains a pathogenic microbiota, creates an inflammatory milieu, and alters intestinal permeability. These changes are necessary for the development of cholangiopathy. Restoring CFTR in the intestine or modulating the microbiota could be a promising strategy to prevent or attenuate liver disease. Severe cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) affects 10% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment options remain limited due to a lack of understanding of disease pathophysiology. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mediates Cl- and HCO3- secretion in the biliary epithelium and its defective function is thought to cause cholestasis and excessive inflammatory responses in CF. However, our study in Cftr-knockout mice demonstrates that microbial dysbiosis, combined with increased intestinal permeability caused by defective CFTR in the intestinal mucosa, acts as a necessary co-factor for the development of CFLD-like liver pathology in mice. These findings uncover a major role for the gut microbiota in CFLD pathogenesis and call for further investigation and clinical validation to develop targeted therapeutic strategies acting on the gut-liver axis in CF.

A mathematical model of ENaC and Slc26a6 regulation by CFTR in salivary gland ducts.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by the mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. Cftr is a critical ion channel expressed in the apical membrane of mouse salivary gland striated duct cells. Although Cftr is primarily a Cl- channel, its knockout leads to higher salivary Cl- and Na+ concentrations and lower pH. Mouse experiments show that the activation of Cftr upregulates epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) protein expression level and Slc26a6 (a 1Cl-:2[Formula: see text] exchanger of the solute carrier family) activity. Experimentally, it is difficult to predict how much the coregulation effects of CFTR contribute to the abnormal Na+, Cl-, and [Formula: see text] concentrations and pH in CF saliva. To address this question, we construct a wild-type mouse salivary gland model and simulate CFTR knockout by altering the expression levels of CFTR, ENaC, and Slc26a6. By reproducing the in vivo and ex vivo final saliva measurements from wild-type and CFTR knockout animals, we obtain computational evidence that ENaC and Slc26a6 activities are downregulated in CFTR knockout in salivary glands.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper describes a salivary gland mathematical model simulating the ion exchange between saliva and the salivary gland duct epithelium. The novelty lies in the implementation of CFTR regulating ENaC and Slc26a6 in a CFTR knockout gland. By reproducing the experimental saliva measurements in wild-type and CFTR knockout glands, the model shows that CFTR regulates ENaC and Slc26a6 anion exchanger in salivary glands. The method could be used to understand the various cystic fibrosis phenotypes.

Fecal dysbiosis and inflammation in intestinal-specific Cftr knockout mice on regimens preventing intestinal obstruction.

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a poorly understood manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), which may be refractory to ion channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. People with CF exhibit intestinal dysbiosis, which has the potential for stimulating intestinal and systemic inflammation. CFTR is expressed in organ epithelia, leukocytes, and other tissues. Here, we investigate the contribution of intestinal epithelium-specific loss of Cftr [iCftr knockout (KO)] to dysbiosis and inflammation in mice treated with either of two antiobstructive dietary regimens necessary to maintain CF mouse models [polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative or a liquid diet (LiqD)]. Feces collected from iCftr KO mice and their wild-type (WT) sex-matched littermates were used to measure fecal calprotectin to evaluate inflammation and to perform 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome. Fecal calprotectin was elevated in iCftr KO relative to WT mice that consumed either PEG or LiqD. PEG iCftr KO mice did not show a change in α diversity versus WT mice but demonstrated a significant difference in microbial composition (β diversity) with included increases in the phylum Proteobacteria, the family Peptostreptococcaceae, four genera of Clostridia including C. innocuum, and the mucolytic genus Akkermansia. Fecal microbiome analysis of LiqD-fed iCftr KO mice showed both decreased α diversity and differences in microbial composition with increases in the Proteobacteria family Enterobacteriaceae, Firmicutes families Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae, and enrichment of Clostridium perfringens, C. innocuum, C. difficile, mucolytic Ruminococcus gnavus, and reduction of Akkermansia. It was concluded that epithelium-specific loss of Cftr is a major driver of CF intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation with significant similarities to previous studies of pan Cftr KO mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronic intestinal inflammation is a manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by loss of the anion channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that is expressed in many tissues. This study shows that intestinal epithelial cell-specific loss of CFTR [inducible Cftr knockout (KO)] in mice is sufficient to induce intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation. Experiments were performed on mice consuming two dietary regimens routinely used to prevent obstruction in CF mice.

349 Intestinal epithelial-specific Cftr knockout induces fecal dysbiosis and bowel inflammation in mice consuming anti-obstructive dietary regimens

349 Intestinal epithelial-specific Cftr knockout induces fecal dysbiosis and bowel inflammation in mice consuming anti-obstructive dietary regimens

The Anion Channel TMEM16a/Ano1 Modulates CFTR Activity, but Does Not Function as an Apical Anion Channel in Colonic Epithelium from Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Healthy Individuals.

Studies in human colonic cell lines and murine intestine suggest the presence of a Ca2+-activated anion channel, presumably TMEM16a. Is there a potential for fluid secretion in patients with severe cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations by activating this alternative pathway? Two-dimensional nondifferentiated colonoid-myofibroblast cocultures resembling transit amplifying/progenitor (TA/PE) cells, as well as differentiated monolayer (DM) cultures resembling near-surface cells, were established from both healthy controls (HLs) and patients with severe functional defects in the CFTR gene (PwCF). F508del mutant and CFTR knockout (null) mice ileal and colonic mucosa was also studied. HL TA/PE monolayers displayed a robust short-circuit current response (ΔIeq) to UTP (100 µM), forskolin (Fsk, 10 µM) and carbachol (CCH, 100 µM), while ΔIeq was much smaller in differentiated monolayers. The selective TMEM16a inhibitor Ani9 (up to 30 µM) did not alter the response to luminal UTP, significantly decreased Fsk-induced ΔIeq, and significantly increased CCH-induced ΔIeq in HL TA/PE colonoid monolayers. The PwCF TA/PE and the PwCF differentiated monolayers displayed negligible agonist-induced ΔIeq, without a significant effect of Ani9. When TMEM16a was localized in intracellular structures, a staining in the apical membrane was not detected. TMEM16a is highly expressed in human colonoid monolayers resembling transit amplifying cells of the colonic cryptal neck zone, from both HL and PwCF. While it may play a role in modulating agonist-induced CFTR-mediated anion currents, it is not localized in the apical membrane, and it has no function as an apical anion channel in cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy human colonic epithelium.

Differentiation and Characterization of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Knockout Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Salivary Gland Epithelial Progenitors.

The differentiation of pluripotent stem cells has been used to study disease mechanisms and development. We previously described a method for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into salivary gland epithelial progenitors (SGEPs). Here, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout hPSCs were differentiated into SGEPs derived from CFTR knockout hESCs (CF-SGEPs) using the same protocol to investigate whether the hPSC-derived SGEPs can model the characteristics of CF. CF-a disease that affects salivary gland (SG) function-is caused by mutations of the CFTR gene. Firstly, we successfully generated CFTR knockout hPSCs with reduced CFTR protein expression using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. After 16 days of differentiation, the protein expression of CFTR decreased in SGEPs derived from CFTR knockout hESCs (CF-SGEPs). RNA-Seq revealed that multiple genes modulating SG development and function were down-regulated, and positive regulators of inflammation were up-regulated in CF-SGEPs, correlating with the salivary phenotype of CF patients. These results demonstrated that CFTR suppression disrupted the differentiation of hPSC-derived SGEPs, which modeled the SG development of CF patients. In summary, this study not only proved that the hPSC-derived SGEPs could serve as manipulable and readily accessible cell models for the study of SG developmental diseases but also opened up new avenues for the study of the CF mechanism.

Cftr deletion in mouse epithelial and immune cells differentially influence the intestinal microbiota

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane-conductance regulator gene (cftr) that encodes CFTR, a cAMP-activated chloride and bicarbonate channel. Clinically, CF lung disease dominates the adult patient population. However, its gastrointestinal illness claims the early morbidity and mortality, manifesting as intestinal dysbiosis, inflammation and obstruction. As CF is widely accepted as a disease of epithelial dysfunction, it is unknown whether CFTR loss-of-function in immune cells contributes to these clinical outcomes. Using cftr genetic knockout and bone marrow transplantation mouse models, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the intestinal microbes. Here we show that cftr deletion in both epithelial and immune cells collectively influence the intestinal microbiota. However, the immune defect is a major factor determining the dysbiosis in the small intestine, while the epithelial defect largely influences that in the large intestine. This finding revises the current concept by suggesting that CF epithelial defect and immune defect play differential roles in CF intestinal disease.

Increased intracellular Cl- concentration mediates neutrophil extracellular traps formation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play crucial roles in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our preliminary study shows that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced NET formation is accompanied by an elevated intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) and reduced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression in freshly isolated human blood neutrophils. Herein we investigated whether and how [Cl-]i regulated NET formation in vitroand in vivo. We showed that neutrophil [Cl-]i and NET levels were increased in global CFTR null (Cftr-/-) mice in the resting state, which was mimicked by intravenous injection of the CFTR inhibitor, CFTRinh-172, in wild-type mice. OxLDL-induced NET formation was aggravated by defective CFTR function. Clamping [Cl-]i at high levels directly triggered NET formation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that increased [Cl-]i by CFTRinh-172 or CFTR knockout increased the phosphorylation of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase 1 (SGK1) and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in neutrophils, and promoted oxLDL-induced NET formation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Consistently, peripheral blood samples obtained from atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice or stable angina (SA) and ST-elevation ACS (STE-ACS) patients exhibited increased neutrophil [Cl-]i and SGK1 activity, decreased CFTR expression, and elevated NET levels. VX-661, a CFTR corrector, reduced the NET formation in the peripheral blood sample obtained from oxLDL-injected mice, ApoE-/- atherosclerotic mice or patients with STE-ACS by lowering neutrophil [Cl-]i. These results demonstrate that elevated neutrophil [Cl-]i during the development of atherosclerosis and ACS contributes to increased NET formation via Cl--sensitive SGK1 signaling, suggesting that defective CFTR function might be a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Platelet CFTR inhibition enhances arterial thrombosis via increasing intracellular Cl- concentration and activation of SGK1 signaling pathway.

Platelet hyperactivity is essential for thrombus formation in coronary artery diseases (CAD). Dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in patients with cystic fibrosis elevates intracellular Cl- levels ([Cl-]i) and enhanced platelet hyperactivity. In this study, we explored whether alteration of [Cl-]i has a pathological role in regulating platelet hyperactivity and arterial thrombosis formation. CFTR expression was significantly decreased, while [Cl-]i was increased in platelets from CAD patients. In a FeCl3-induced mouse mesenteric arteriole thrombosis model, platelet-specific Cftr-knockout and/or pre-administration of ion channel inhibitor CFTRinh-172 increased platelet [Cl-]i, which accelerated thrombus formation, enhanced platelet aggregation and ATP release, and increased P2Y12 and PAR4 expression in platelets. Conversely, Cftr-overexpressing platelets resulted in subnormal [Cl-]i, thereby decreasing thrombosis formation. Our results showed that clamping [Cl-]i at high levels or Cftr deficiency-induced [Cl-]i increasement dramatically augmented phosphorylation (Ser422) of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK1), subsequently upregulated P2Y12 and PAR4 expression via NF-κB signaling. Constitutively active mutant S422D SGK1 markedly increased P2Y12 and PAR4 expression. The specific SGK1 inhibitor GSK-650394 decreased platelet aggregation in wildtype and platelet-specific Cftr knockout mice, and platelet SGK1 phosphorylation was observed in line with increased [Cl-]i and decreased CFTR expression in CAD patients. Co-transfection of S422D SGK1 and adenovirus-induced CFTR overexpression in MEG-01 cells restored platelet activation signaling cascade. Our results suggest that [Cl-]i is a novel positive regulator of platelet activation and arterial thrombus formation via the activation of a [Cl-]i-sensitive SGK1 signaling pathway. Therefore, [Cl-]i in platelets is a novel potential biomarker for platelet hyperactivity, and CFTR may be a potential therapeutic target for platelet activation in CAD.

Alkalosis-induced hypoventilation in cystic fibrosis: The importance of efficient renal adaptation

The lungs and kidneys are pivotal organs in the regulation of body acid-base homeostasis. In cystic fibrosis (CF), the impaired renal ability to excrete an excess amount of HCO3- into the urine leads to metabolic alkalosis [P. Berg etal., J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 31, 1711-1727 (2020); F. Al-Ghimlas, M. E. Faughnan, E. Tullis, Open Respir. Med. J. 6, 59-62 (2012)]. This is caused by defective HCO3- secretion in the β-intercalated cells of the collecting duct that requires both the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and pendrin for normal function [P. Berg etal., J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 31, 1711-1727 (2020)]. We studied the ventilatory consequences of acute oral base loading in normal, pendrin knockout (KO), and CFTR KO mice. In wild-type mice, oral base loading induced a dose-dependent metabolic alkalosis, fast urinary removal of base, and a moderate base load did not perturb ventilation. In contrast, CFTR and pendrin KO mice, which are unable to rapidly excrete excess base into the urine, developed a marked and transient depression of ventilation when subjected to the same base load. Therefore, swift renal base elimination in response to an acute oral base load is a necessary physiological function to avoid ventilatory depression. The transient urinary alkalization in the postprandial state is suggested to have evolved for proactive avoidance of hypoventilation. In CF, metabolic alkalosis may contribute to the commonly reduced lung function via a suppression of ventilatory drive.

INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELL-SPECIFIC CFTR KNOCKOUT MICE EXHIBIT FECAL MICROBIAL DYSBIOSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Chronic intestinal inflammation is a poorly understood manifestation of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease. Fecal microbial dysbiosis has the potential of inducing intestinal inflammation and has been reported in people with CF as well as CF mouse models. CF mice consuming an osmotic polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative in drinking water to prevent intestinal obstruction have low levels of intestinal inflammation and low intestinal bacterial loads. In contrast, CF mice consuming a nutritionally complete liquid diet to prevent intestinal impaction exhibit intestinal inflammation and high intestinal bacterial loads (R. C. De Lisle, et al., Am J Physiol 293, G577-G584, 2007) To investigate the development of dysbiosis in a CFTR-deficient intestine, we transitioned adult intestinal epithelial cell-specific knockout and wild-type (WT) mice from life-long consumption of PEG laxative to a nutritionally-complete liquid diet for a two week period before collection of fecal samples. METHODS Fecal samples collected from B6.Cg-Tg(Vil1-cre)-Cftrf10/f10 intestinal-specific Cftr knockout mice (iCftr KO) and their WT sex-matched littermates were DNA extracted and prepared for 16S rRNA sequencing and evaluation of the microbiome. Microbial community composition, richness and diversity indices, and relative abundance of bacterial species of interest were evaluated. RESULTS 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic analysis revealed significant differences in microbial composition with intestinal-specific loss of CFTR as compared to WT, as well as a significant decrease in Shannon diversity and Chao-1 richness indices. A significant deficit of taxa was seen in the intestinal-specific CF mice, as compared to WT, which corresponded with a significant increase in bacterial species that potentially serve as provocateurs of intestinal inflammation including Helicobacter typhlonius, Clostridium perfringens, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Tyzerella spp. CONCLUSIONS As compared to WT, the transition from PEG laxative to a nutritionally-complete liquid diet resulted in overt differences in the fecal microbiota composition in iCftr KO mice which included enrichment of potential bacterial pathobionts capable of stimulating intestinal inflammation. These studies suggest that the CFTR-deficient intestinal epithelium provides an environment selective for potential bacterial pathobionts. The paradigm of the study may prove useful for investigating the development of dysbiosis and corresponding changes in intestinal mucosal immunity.

Goblet cell hyperplasia is not epithelial-autonomous in the Cftr knockout intestine.

Goblet cell hyperplasia is an important manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease in epithelial-lined organs. Explants of CF airway epithelium show normalization of goblet cell numbers; therefore, we hypothesized that small intestinal enteroids from Cftr knockout (KO) mice would not exhibit goblet cell hyperplasia. Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (Tlr2 and Tlr4) were investigated as markers of inflammation and influence on goblet cell differentiation. Ex vivo studies found goblet cell hyperplasia in Cftr KO jejunum compared with wild-type (WT) mice. IL-13, SAM pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor (Spdef), Tlr2, and Tlr4 protein expression were increased in Cftr KO intestine relative to WT. In contrast, WT and Cftr KO enteroids did not exhibit differences in basal or IL-13-stimulated goblet cell numbers, or differences in expression of Tlr2, Tlr4, and Spdef. Ileal goblet cell numbers in Cftr KO/Tlr4 KO and Cftr KO/Tlr2 KO mice were not different from Cftr KO mice, but enumeration was confounded by altered mucosal morphology. Treatment with Tlr4 agonist LPS did not affect goblet cell numbers in WT or Cftr KO enteroids, whereas the Tlr2 agonist Pam3Csk4 stimulated goblet cell hyperplasia in both genotypes. Pam3Csk4 stimulation of goblet cell numbers was associated with suppression of Notch1 and Neurog3 expression and upregulated determinants of goblet cell differentiation. We conclude that goblet cell hyperplasia and inflammation of the Cftr KO small intestine are not exhibited by enteroids, indicating that this manifestation of CF intestinal disease is not epithelial-automatous but secondary to the altered CF intestinal environment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Studies of small intestinal organoids from cystic fibrosis (CF) mice show that goblet cell hyperplasia and increased Toll-like receptor 2/4 expression are not primary manifestations of the CF intestine. Intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia in the CF mice was not strongly altered by genetic ablation of Tlr2 and Tlr 4, but could be induced in both wild-type and CF intestinal organoids by a Tlr2-dependent suppression of Notch signaling.

679: Host defense defects and inflammation within the nasal airways of CFTR knockout mice

679: Host defense defects and inflammation within the nasal airways of CFTR knockout mice

1240-P: Changes in Protein Expression during Islet Regeneration in a Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD) Ferret Model

Diabetes is a common complication among persons with cystic fibrosis (CF), affecting nearly 20% of adolescents and 50% of all adults with CF. The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) knockout (KO) ferret is a well-characterized animal model of CF that exhibits distinct periods of dysglycemia and pancreatic remodeling that are similar to patterns observed in humans. After the first month of life (normoglycemia/Phase I), hyperglycemia develops during the second month of life (Phase II) with reduced islet mass, followed by a period of near normoglycemia (Phase III) during which the islet mass regenerates, followed by persistent hyperglycemia/CFRD at the 4th month of life (Phase IV). While dynamic changes in islet hormone mRNA levels have been described across these phases, changes in protein expression patterns have not been characterized. To this end, immunofluorescence was performed to characterize islet hormone expression patterns in age-matched CFTR KO and wild type (WT) ferrets, focusing on the regenerative Phase III. The relative intensity of immunofluorescent staining per islet area was calculated. Compared to WT ferrets, the relative staining intensity of insulin and glucagon increased (4.687 vs. 3.228, p<0.05 and 0.827 vs. 0.238, p<0.0001, respectively ), while the intensity of proinsulin decreased (1.061 vs. 1.455, p<0.05) in CF ferret sections. Our findings suggest increased efficiency of proinsulin processing and a potential compensatory upregulation of insulin expression during this phase with the surprising finding of increased glucagon expression. Additional studies are underway to further characterize changes in islet hormone expression across each of the four described phases as well as potential cellular dedifferentiation patterns. Disclosure H. M. Ismail: None. R. G. Mirmira: Advisory Panel; Self; Hibercell Inc., Sigilon Therapeutics, Inc., Veralox Therapeutics, Employee; Spouse/Partner; Beta Bionics, Inc. C. Evans-molina: Advisory Panel; Self; Provention Bio, Inc., Consultant; Self; Dompe, Other Relationship; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Nimbus Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc. R. N. Bone: None.

Single-Dose Lentiviral Mediated Gene Therapy Recovers CFTR Function in Cystic Fibrosis Knockout Rats.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, resulting in defective ion transport in the airways. Addition of a functioning CFTR gene into affected airway cells has the potential to be an effective treatment for lung disease. The therapeutic efficacy of airway gene transfer can be quantified in animal models by assessing ion transport in the treated nasal epithelium using the nasal potential difference (PD) measurement technique. The nasal PD technique is routinely used in CF mice, however when applied to a recently developed CF rat model those animals did not tolerate the initial nasal PD assessment, therefore the procedure was firstly optimised in rats. This study evaluated the effect of lentiviral (LV)-mediated CFTR airway gene delivery on nasal PD in a CFTR knockout rat model. LV gene vector containing the CFTR gene tagged with a V5 epitope tag (LV-V5-CFTR) was delivered to the nasal epithelium of CF rats, and one week later nasal PD was analysed. This study demonstrated for the first time that LV-V5-CFTR treatment produced a mean correction of 46% towards wild-type chloride response in treated CF rats. Transduced cells were subsequently identifiable using V5 immunohistochemical staining. These findings in the nose validate the use of airway gene therapy for future lung based experiments.

Anti-pseudomonas antibodies contribute to lung disease in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited lethal disease caused by mutations in CFTR. Approximately 60% of patients have homozygous F508del mutation, but their lung function is quite variable. Gene modifier studies identified I MHC II alleles are associated with the age of first Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection and lung function. Thus, we assessed serological responses to PA among CF subjects with poor lung function (FEV1<70%) versus good lung function (FEV1>90%). Immunoprecipitation-proteomics using outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from PA and human serum identified OprI as a potential important B cell antigen. We found increased anti-mucoid PA antibodies in CF and higher titers against OMPs and recombinant OprI in patients with poor lung function. Mice that were immunized with either recombinant OprI or inactivated whole PA subcutaneously developed high IgG titers in serum. Immunized mice that were challenged with mucoid PA had more weight loss and more severe lung pathology compared to unimmunized controls. There was minimal weight loss in PA immunized Rag2KO mice (impaired T and B cells), suggesting a role of adaptive immunity in the pathology. We observed more sensitive responses in FABP-hCFTR mice (CFTR knockout except GI tract) that OprI-immunized group exhibited the highest anti-OprI IgG titer and the most significant weight loss after challenge. These data suggest that one mechanism by which class II MHC is a modifier gene in CF is through antigen presentation and determining the types of anti-PA antibodies are generated in CF. Anti-PA antibodies may contribute to CF lung disease that we are conducting systems serology studies to understand which antibody functions are exacerbating disease.

CFTR Deficiency Affects Glucose Homeostasis via Regulating GLUT4 Plasma Membrane Transportation.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. CF-related diabetes (CFRD) is one of the most prevalent comorbidities of CF. Altered glucose homeostasis has been reported in CF patients. The mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Besides the consequence of pancreatic endocrine dysfunction, we focus on insulin-responsive tissues and glucose transportation to explain glucose homeostasis alteration in CFRD. Herein, we found that CFTR knockout mice exhibited insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, we demonstrated insulin-induced glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the cell membrane was abnormal in the CFTR knockout mice muscle fibers, suggesting that defective intracellular GLUT4 transportation may be the cause of impaired insulin responses and glucose homeostasis. We further demonstrated that PI(4,5)P2 could rescue CFTR related defective intracellular GLUT4 transportation, and CFTR could regulate PI(4,5)P2 cellular level through PIP5KA, suggesting PI(4,5)P2 is a down-stream signal of CFTR. Our results revealed a new signal mechanism of CFTR in GLUT4 translocation regulation, which helps explain glucose homeostasis alteration in CF patients.

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF GOBLET CELL ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN PASSAGES (GAPS) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUCOSAL IMMUNE TOLERANCE IN THE CFTR KO INTESTINE

Greater than 70,000 individuals worldwide are living with the monogenetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). The development of chronic intestinal inflammation, with clinical signs resembling inflammatory bowel disease-like conditions, is a common yet poorly understood occurrence in CF patients. This inflammation is typically neutrophilic in human and animal models with a heightened basal pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Prior research utilizing intestinal organoids (enteroids) cultured from Cftr knockout mice has shown that goblet cells in the CF mouse intestine demonstrate defective clearance of mucin granules and abnormal mucus retention. Goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs), located in the small intestine and colon, deliver intraluminal antigens to antigen-presenting dendritic cells in the submucosa. This mechanism serves as an important step in the development and maintenance of tolerogenic dendritic cell populations expressing receptors to luminal antigens with involvement of regulatory T cell activation and release of IL-10. We hypothesized that mucus plugging of goblet cells in the CF intestine leads to defective GAP formation and a consequent decrease in the expansion of tolerogenic dendritic cells. To test this hypothesis, Cftrtm1Unc (Cftr KO) and wild type (WT) sex-matched littermate pairs (n=2) maintained on a commercially available liquid diet (Peptamen®) were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine for a laparotomy to inject a luminal fluorescent 10kD dextran dye into the mid-jejunum. After 30 min, the mice were euthanized with CO2, and the intestine was collected for immunofluorescent staining to evaluate GAP formation. In the WT intestine, the dextran dye was observed within goblet cells outlined by CK18 immunofluorescence, a goblet cell marker. Punctate dextran dye was observed in the submucosa, suggestive of dendritic cell uptake. In contrast, the Cftr KO mice demonstrated defective GAP formation, i.e., without dye penetration of goblet cells, and the lack of punctate dextran fluorescence in the submucosa. To evaluate the population of tolerogenic dendritic cells, small intestinal segments from Cftr KO-WT sex-matched littermate pairs (3-female and 2-male pairs) were collected for FACS sorting of submucosal CD103+ (tolerogenic) and CD103- (pro-inflammatory) dendritic cells. The WT mice had a significantly higher population of CD103+ tolerogenic dendritic cells compared to the CF mice (WT: 20.5+/-2, CF: 9.2+/-3, P < 0.006). A trend towards an increase in CD103- dendritic cells was seen in the CF intestine. In summary, the CF mice were found to have defective intraluminal antigen transfer through the GAP pathway and a significant decrease in tolerogenic dendritic cells in the intestine.

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF GOBLET CELL ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN PASSAGES (GAPS) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUCOSAL IMMUNE TOLERANCE IN THE CFTR KO INTESTINE

Abstract Greater than 70,000 individuals worldwide are living with the monogenetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). The development of chronic intestinal inflammation, with clinical signs resembling inflammatory bowel disease-like conditions, is a common yet poorly understood occurrence in CF patients. This inflammation is typically neutrophilic in human and animal models with a heightened basal pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Prior research utilizing intestinal organoids (enteroids) cultured from Cftr knockout mice has shown that goblet cells in the CF mouse intestine demonstrate defective clearance of mucin granules and abnormal mucus retention. Goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs), located in the small intestine and colon, deliver intraluminal antigens to antigen-presenting dendritic cells in the submucosa. This mechanism serves as an important step in the development and maintenance of tolerogenic dendritic cell populations expressing receptors to luminal antigens with involvement of regulatory T cell activation and release of IL-10. We hypothesized that mucus plugging of goblet cells in the CF intestine leads to defective GAP formation and a consequent decrease in the expansion of tolerogenic dendritic cells. To test this hypothesis, Cftrtm1Unc (Cftr KO) and wild type (WT) sex-matched littermate pairs (n=2) maintained on a commercially available liquid diet (Peptamen®) were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine for a laparotomy to inject a luminal fluorescent 10kD dextran dye into the mid-jejunum. After 30 min, the mice were euthanized with CO2, and the intestine was collected for immunofluorescent staining to evaluate GAP formation. In the WT intestine, the dextran dye was observed within goblet cells outlined by CK18 immunofluorescence, a goblet cell marker. Punctate dextran dye was observed in the submucosa, suggestive of dendritic cell uptake. In contrast, the Cftr KO mice demonstrated defective GAP formation, i.e., without dye penetration of goblet cells, and the lack of punctate dextran fluorescence in the submucosa. To evaluate the population of tolerogenic dendritic cells, small intestinal segments from Cftr KO-WT sex-matched littermate pairs (3-female and 2-male pairs) were collected for FACS sorting of submucosal CD103+ (tolerogenic) and CD103- (pro-inflammatory) dendritic cells. The WT mice had a significantly higher population of CD103+ tolerogenic dendritic cells compared to the CF mice (WT: 20.5+/-2, CF: 9.2+/-3, P &amp;lt; 0.006). A trend towards an increase in CD103- dendritic cells was seen in the CF intestine. In summary, the CF mice were found to have defective intraluminal antigen transfer through the GAP pathway and a significant decrease in tolerogenic dendritic cells in the intestine.