GFP Mice Research Articles

Ventral Tegmental Area GABA Neurons Are Resistant to GABA(A) Receptor-Mediated Inhibition During Ethanol Withdrawal.

The neural mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence are not well-understood. GABAergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are a relevant target for ethanol. They are inhibited by ethanol at physiologically-relevant levels in vivo and display marked hyperexcitability during withdrawal. In the present study, we examined the effects of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol on VTA neurons ex vivo following withdrawal from acute and chronic ethanol exposure. We used standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology in the slice preparation to evaluate the effects of muscimol on VTA GABA neuron firing rate following exposure to acute and chronic ethanol in male CD-1 GAD-67 GFP mice. In the acute condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after a single in vivo dose of saline or ethanol. In the chronic condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after either 2 weeks of twice-daily IP ethanol or saline or following exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor or air for 3 weeks. VTA GABA neuron firing rate was more sensitive to muscimol than DA neuron firing rate. VTA GABA neurons, but not DA neurons, were resistant to the inhibitory effects of muscimol recorded 24 h after a single ethanol injection or chronic ethanol exposure. Administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 before ethanol injection restored the sensitivity of VTA GABA neurons to muscimol inhibition. Seven days after ethanol exposure, VTA GABA neuron firing rate was again susceptible to muscimol's inhibitory effects in the acute condition, but the resistance persisted in the chronic condition. These findings suggest that VTA GABA neurons exclusively undergo a shift in GABA(A) receptor function following acute and chronic exposure. There appears to be transient GABA(A) receptor-mediated plasticity after a single exposure to ethanol that is mediated by NMDA glutamate receptors. In addition, the resistance to muscimol inhibition in VTA GABA neurons persists in the dependent condition, which may contribute to the the hyperexcitability of VTA GABA neurons and inhibition of VTA DA neurons during withdrawal as well as the motivation to seek alcohol.

Donor–host tissue interaction in allogenic transplanted tooth germ with special reference to periodontal tissue

ObjectivesLimited biological evidence exists regarding donor–host interaction in the periodontal tissue during allogenic tooth germ transplantation. This study aimed to clarify donor–host tissue interactions during periodontal tissue healing following tooth germ transplantation. MethodsThis study compared the localization of putative stem cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), Gli1, and periostin immunoreactions using pulse-chase paradigm (BrdU prenatal labeling: peritoneal pulse injections at embryonic days [E] 15–17) in TetOP–H2B–GFP mice (doxycycline administration at E14.5). The current study characterized periodontal tissue healing following allogenic tooth grafts in GFP-labeled donor or host and wild-type mice by pulse-chase paradigm and GFP, BrdU, Gli1, and periostin immunohistochemistry. ResultsBrdU prenatal labeling demonstrated that dense label-retaining cells (BrdU–LRCs) disappeared from the PDL by postnatal week 2 (P2W). However, H2B–GFP–LRCs were localized in the PDL of TetOP–H2B–GFP mice during P3–8W, and Gli1-positive cells in the PDL increased at P2–3W, showing that H2B–GFP–LRCs in the PDL are derived from non-proliferating cells during E15–17. Transplanted molars formed cusps and roots and erupted into occlusion by two weeks postoperatively. The junctional epithelium and tooth-related zone of PDL were exclusively composed of donor cells, whereas the PDL alveolar-related zone was a hybrid structure of donor and host cells. ConclusionsThe current tooth germ transplantation suggests that the PDL contains putative stem cells, which never proliferate during E15–17, and is composed of resident dental follicle-derived cells and other cell population.

The Role of Angiotensin II/AT1 Receptor Signaling in Regulating Retinal Microglial Activation.

This study explored whether the proangiogenic factor Angiotensin II (AngII) had a direct effect on the activation state of microglia via the Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1-R). Microglial dynamic activity was investigated in live retinal flatmounts from adult Cx3Cr1+/GFP mice under control, AngII (5 μM) or AngII (5 μM) + candesartan (0.227 μM) conditions. The effects of intravitreal administration of AngII (10 mM) were also investigated at 24 hours, with retinae processed for immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, or inflammatory quantitative PCR arrays. We found FACS isolated retinal microglia expressed AT1-R. In retinal flatmounts, microglia showed characteristic movement of processes under control conditions. Perfusion of AngII induced an immediate change in process length (-42%, P < 0.05) and activation state of microglia that was ameliorated by AT1-R blockade, suggesting a direct effect of AngII on microglia via the AT1-R. Intravitreal injection of AngII induced microglial activation after 24 hours, which was characterized by increased soma size (23%, P < 0.001) and decreased process length (20%, P < 0.05). Further analysis indicated a significant decrease in the number of microglial contacts with retinal neurons (saline 15.6 ± 2.31 versus AngII 7.8 ± 1.06, P < 0.05). Retinal cytokine and chemokine expression was modulated, indicative of an inflammatory retinal phenotype. We show that retinal microglia express AT1-R and their activation state is significantly altered by the angiogenic factor, AngII. Specifically, AngII may directly activate AT1-Rs on microglia and contribute to retinal inflammation. This may have implications for diseases like diabetic retinopathy where increases in AngII and inflammation have been shown to play an important role.

Expression of an active Gαs mutant in skeletal stem cells is sufficient and necessary for fibrous dysplasia initiation and maintenance

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a disease caused by postzygotic activating mutations of GNAS (R201C and R201H) that encode the α-subunit of the Gs stimulatory protein. FD is characterized by the development of areas of abnormal fibroosseous tissue in the bones, resulting in skeletal deformities, fractures, and pain. Despite the well-defined genetic alterations underlying FD, whether GNAS activation is sufficient for FD initiation and the molecular and cellular consequences of GNAS mutations remains largely unresolved, and there are no currently available targeted therapeutic options for FD. Here, we have developed a conditional tetracycline (Tet)-inducible animal model expressing the GαsR201C in the skeletal stem cell (SSC) lineage (Tet-GαsR201C/Prrx1-Cre/LSL-rtTA-IRES-GFP mice), which develops typical FD bone lesions in both embryos and adult mice in less than 2 weeks following doxycycline (Dox) administration. Conditional GαsR201C expression promoted PKA activation and proliferation of SSCs along the osteogenic lineage but halted their differentiation to mature osteoblasts. Rather, as is seen clinically, areas of woven bone admixed with fibrous tissue were formed. GαsR201C caused the concomitant expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (Rankl) that led to marked osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. GαsR201C expression ablation by Dox withdrawal resulted in FD-like lesion regression, supporting the rationale for Gαs-targeted drugs to attempt FD cure. This model, which develops FD-like lesions that can form rapidly and revert on cessation of mutant Gαs expression, provides an opportunity to identify the molecular mechanism underlying FD initiation and progression and accelerate the development of new treatment options.

Type I interferon receptor signaling delays Kupffer cell replenishment during acute fulminant viral hepatitis

Virus-induced fulminant hepatitis is a major cause of acute liver failure. During acute viral hepatitis the impact of type I interferon (IFN-I) on myeloid cells, including liver-resident Kupffer cells (KC), is only partially understood. Herein, we dissected the impact of locally induced IFN-I responses on myeloid cell function and hepatocytes during acute liver inflammation. Two different DNA-encoded viruses, vaccinia virus (VACV) and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), were studied. In vivo imaging was applied to visualize local IFN-β induction and IFN-I receptor (IFNAR) triggering in VACV-infected reporter mice. Furthermore, mice with a cell type-selective IFNAR ablation were analyzed to dissect the role of IFNAR signaling in myeloid cells and hepatocytes. Experiments with Cx3cr1+/gfp mice revealed the origin of reconstituted KC. Finally, mixed bone marrow chimeric mice were studied to specifically analyze the effect of IFNAR triggering on liver infiltrating monocytes. VACV infection induced local IFN-β responses, which lead to IFNAR signaling primarily within the liver. IFNAR triggering was needed to control the infection and prevent fulminant hepatitis. The severity of liver inflammation was independent of IFNAR triggering of hepatocytes, whereas IFNAR triggering of myeloid cells protected from excessive inflammation. Upon VACV or MCMV infection KC disappeared, whereas infiltrating monocytes differentiated to KC afterwards. During IFNAR triggering such replenished monocyte-derived KC comprised more IFNAR-deficient than -competent cells in mixed bone marrow chimeric mice, whereas after the decline of IFNAR triggering both subsets showed an even distribution. Upon VACV infection IFNAR triggering of myeloid cells, but not of hepatocytes, critically modulates acute viral hepatitis. During infection with DNA-encoded viruses IFNAR triggering of liver-infiltrating blood monocytes delays the development of monocyte-derived KC, pointing towards new therapeutic strategies for acute viral hepatitis. Viral infection can cause fulminant hepatitis, which in turn is a major cause of acute liver failure. Herein, we aimed to study the role of type 1 interferon responses in acute viral hepatitis. We identified that during infection with DNA-encoded viruses, type 1 interferon receptor triggering of blood monocytes delays the development of monocyte-derived Kupffer cells. This points to new therapeutic strategies for acute viral hepatitis.

α6 subunit-containing nicotinic receptors mediate low-dose ethanol effects on ventral tegmental area neurons and ethanol reward.

Dopamine (DA) neuron excitability is regulated by inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission and modulated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of α6 subunit-containing nAChRs (α6*-nAChRs) in acute ethanol effects on ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA and DA neurons. α6*-nAChRs were visualized on GABA terminals on VTA GABA neurons, and α6*-nAChR transcripts were expressed in most DA neurons, but only a minority of VTA GABA neurons from GAD67 GFP mice. Low concentrations of ethanol (1-10mM) enhanced GABAA receptor (GABAA R)-mediated spontaneous and evoked inhibition with blockade by selective α6*-nAChR antagonist α-conotoxins (α-Ctxs) and lowered sensitivity in α6 knock-out (KO) mice. Ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate in wild-type mice in vivo was significantly reduced in α6 KO mice. Ethanol (5-100mM) had no effect on optically evoked GABAA R-mediated inhibition of DA neurons, and ethanol enhancement of VTA DA neuron firing rate at high concentrations was not affected by α-Ctxs. Ethanol conditioned place preference was reduced in α6 KO mice compared with wild-type controls. Taken together, these studies indicate that relatively low concentrations of ethanol act through α6*-nAChRs on GABA terminals to enhance GABA release onto VTA GABA neurons, in turn to reduce GABA neuron firing, which may lead to VTA DA neuron disinhibition, suggesting a possible mechanism of action of alcohol and nicotine co-abuse.

Mechanosensitive ion channels in articular nociceptors drivemechanical allodynia in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling and highly prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. Pain is the major complaint of OA patients and is presently inadequately managed. It manifests as mechanical allodynia, a painful response to innocuous stimuli such as joint movement. Allodynia is due in part to the sensitization of articular nociceptors to mechanical stimuli. These nociceptors respond to noxious mechanical stimuli applied to their terminals via the expression of depolarizing high-threshold mechanosensitive ion channels (MSICs) that convert painful mechanical forces into electrical signals. In this study, we examined the contribution of MSICs to mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of OA. Sodium mono-iodoacetate (MIA) was injected in the left knee of adult male Trpv1:Cre; GFP mice. Primary mechanical allodynia was monitored using the knee-bend test. Single-channel patch clamp electrophysiology was performed on visually-identified knee-innervating nociceptors. Dorsal horn neuronal activation was assessed by Fos immunoreactivity. In examining the gating properties of MSICs of naïve and OA mice, we discovered that their activation threshold is greatly reduced, causing their opening at significantly lower stimuli intensities. Consequently, nociceptors are activated by mild mechanical stimuli. These channels are reversibly inhibited by the selective MSIC inhibitor GsMTx4, and the intra-articular injection of this peptide significantly reduced the activation of dorsal horn nociceptive circuits and primary mechanical allodynia in OA mice. These results suggest that MSICs are sensitized during OA and directly contribute to mechanical allodynia. They therefore represent potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of OA pain.

Functional studies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells expressing β2-integrin type complement receptors CR3 and CR4

The anaphylatoxins (AT) C3a and C5a play important roles as mediators of inflammation. Further, they regulate and control multiple innate and adaptive immune responses through binding and activation of their cognate G protein-coupled receptors, i.e. C3a receptor (C3aR), C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) and C5a receptor 2 (C5aR2), although the latter lacks important sequence motifs for G protein-coupling. Based on their pleiotropic functions, they contribute not only to tissue homeostasis but drive, perpetuate and resolve immune responses in many inflammatory diseases including infections, malignancies, autoimmune as well as allergic diseases. During the past few years, transcriptome expression data provided detailed insights into AT receptor tissue mRNA expression. In contrast, our understanding of cellular AT receptor expression in human and mouse tissues under steady and inflammatory conditions is still sketchy. Ligand binding studies, flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses convincingly demonstrated tissue-specific C5aR1 expression in various cells of myeloid origin. However, a detailed map for C3aR or C5aR2 expression in human or mouse tissue cells is still lacking. Also, reports about AT expression in lymphoid cells is still controversial. To understand the multiple roles of the ATs in the innate and adaptive immune networks, a detailed understanding of their receptor expression in health and disease is required. Recent findings obtained with novel GFP or tdTomato AT-receptor knock-in mice provide detailed insights into their expression pattern in tissue immune and stroma cells. Here, we will provide an update about our current knowledge of AT receptor expression pattern in humans and mice.

CX3CR1 modulates the anti-inflammatory activity of hepatic dendritic cells in response to acute liver injury.

The chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor CX3CR1 are known to mediate leukocyte chemotaxis, adhesion and survival. In the liver, CX3CR1 is expressed on multiple cell types including monocytes and dendritic cells. However, the function of CX3CR1 on hepatic dendritic cells (HDCs) is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CX3CR1 on mouse HDCs during homeostasis and following acute liver injury. At homeostasis, CX3CR1-expression was detected among CD11b+/CD103- type 2 myeloid HDCs (mHDCs) and these cells were characterized by the production of IL-10. Mice treatment with the hepatotoxic agent CCl4 up-regulated liver IL-10 expression and stimulated the expansion of CX3CR1+ mHDCs which also showed a more mature phenotype. The absence of CX3CR1 in naïve CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice specifically reduced the CD11b+/IL-10+ mHDCs as compared to CX3CR1-proficient animals (CX3CR1+/gfp). Following CCl4 poisoning, the liver recruitment and maturation of CD11b+ mHDCs was significantly attenuated in CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice. Furthermore, these mice suffered more severe hepatic injury and inflammation than CX3CR1+/gfp mice and showed a delated recovery from liver damage. Such a worsening of liver injury in CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice was associated with an impaired up-regulation of hepatic IL-10 expression and a lower number of IL-10 producing CD11b+ mHDCs. Consistently, IL-10 inactivation enhanced hepatic injury and inflammation in CX3CR1+/gfp mice receiving CCl4 Altogether, these data indicate a novel role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in liver type 2 mHDC functions, pointing out the importance of CX3CR1 in promoting IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory actions of HDCs.

A morphology independent approach for identifying dividing adult neural stem cells in the mouse hippocampus.

Type 1 adult hippocampal neural stem cells (AH-NSCs) continue to generate neurons throughout life, albeit at a very low rate. The relative quiescence of this population of cells has led to many studies investigating factors that may increase their division. Current methods of identifying dividing AH-NSCs in vivo require the identification and tracing of radial processes back to nuclei within the subgranular zone. However, caveats to this approach include the time-intensive nature of identifying AH-NSCs with such a process, as well as the fact that this approach ignores the relatively more active population of horizontally oriented AH-NSCs that also reside in the subgranular zone. Here we describe, and then verify using Hes5::GFP mice, that labeling for the cell cycle marker Ki67 and selection against the intermediate progenitor cell marker TBR2 (Ki67+ve ; TBR2-ve nuclei) is sufficient to identify dividing horizontally and radially oriented AH-NSCs in the adult mouse hippocampus. These findings provide a simple and accurate way to quantify dividing AH-NSCs in vivo using a morphology-independent approach that will facilitate studies into neurogenesis within the hippocampal stem cell niche of the adult brain. Developmental Dynamics 247:194-200, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Contribution of presynaptic HCN channels to excitatory inputs of spinal substantia gelatinosa neurons

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are pathological pain-associated voltage-gated ion channels. They are widely expressed in central nervous system including spinal lamina II (also named the substantia gelatinosa, SG). Here, we examined the distribution of HCN channels in glutamatergic synaptic terminals as well as their role in the modulation of synaptic transmission in SG neurons from SD rats and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67)-GFP mice. We found that the expression of the HCN channel isoforms was varied in SG. The HCN4 isoform showed the highest level of co-localization with VGLUT2 (23±3%). In 53% (n=21/40 neurons) of the SG neurons examined in SD rats, application of HCN channel blocker, ZD7288 (10μM), decreased the frequency of spontaneous (s) and miniature (m) excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) by 37±4% and 33±4%, respectively. Consistently, forskolin (FSK) (an activator of adenylate cyclase) significantly increased the frequency of mEPSCs by 225±34%, which could be partially inhibited by ZD7288. Interestingly, the effects of ZD7288 and FSK on sEPSC frequency were replicated in non-GFP-expressing neurons, but not in GFP-expressing GABAergic SG neurons, in GAD67-GFP transgenic C57/BL6 mice. In summary, our results represent a previously unknown cellular mechanism by which presynaptic HCN channels, especially HCN4, regulate the glutamate release from presynaptic terminals that target excitatory, but not inhibitory SG interneurons.

ATP release during cell swelling activates a Ca2+-dependent Cl\u2212 current by autocrine mechanism in mouse hippocampal microglia

Microglia cells, resident immune cells of the brain, survey brain parenchyma by dynamically extending and retracting their processes. Cl− channels, activated in the cellular response to stretch/swelling, take part in several functions deeply connected with microglia physiology, including cell shape changes, proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the molecular identity and functional properties of these Cl− channels are largely unknown. We investigated the properties of swelling-activated currents in microglial from acute hippocampal slices of Cx3cr1+/GFP mice by whole-cell patch-clamp and imaging techniques. The exposure of cells to a mild hypotonic medium, caused an outward rectifying current, developing in 5–10 minutes and reverting upon stimulus washout. This current, required for microglia ability to extend processes towards a damage signal, was carried mainly by Cl− ions and dependent on intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, it involved swelling-induced ATP release. We identified a purine-dependent mechanism, likely constituting an amplification pathway of current activation: under hypotonic conditions, ATP release triggered the Ca2+-dependent activation of anionic channels by autocrine purine receptors stimulation. Our study on native microglia describes for the first time the functional properties of stretch/swelling-activated currents, representing a key element in microglia ability to monitor the brain parenchyma.

Azacitidine Mitigates Graft-versus-Host Disease via Differential Effects on the Proliferation of T Effectors and Natural Regulatory T Cells In Vivo.

Azacitidine (AzaC) mitigates graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in both murine preclinical transplant models and in human clinical trials while maintaining a robust graft-versus-leukemia effect. Previous studies have failed to investigate the role of natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) on the mitigation of GvHD by AzaC, instead focusing on the generation of suppressive Tregs (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) through the in vivo conversion of alloreactive donor T effectors (Teffs; CD4+CD25-FOXP3-) and the direct antiproliferative effects of AzaC on allogeneic T cells. Using B6.Foxp3DTR/GFP mice in which Tregs can be specifically ablated through administration of diphtheria toxin, we demonstrate that natural Tregs are required in the donor graft for AzaC to optimally protect against GvHD and that nTregs, unlike Teffs (CD3+FOXP3-), are resistant to the antiproliferative effects of AzaC. Gene expression analysis identified the potent cell cycle inhibitor, p21, was significantly upregulated in Teffs but not nTregs after treatment with AzaC. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Teffs deficient in p21 are less sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of AzaC. These results demonstrate that nTregs are essential for AzaC to fully protect against GvHD and have important clinical implications for future clinical trials testing AzaC as a novel method of GvHD prophylaxis in man.

Selective Nrf2 Gene Deletion in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Evokes Hypertension and Sympathoexcitation in Mice.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master transcriptional regulator of redox homeostasis that impacts antioxidant gene expression. Central oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzyme expression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributed to sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure. In the current study, we hypothesized that deletion of Nrf2 in the RVLM would increase sympathetic drive and blood pressure. Experiments were performed in Nrf2-floxed mice treated with microinjection of lentiviral-Cre-GFP or lentiviral-GFP into the RVLM. Two weeks after viral administration, Nrf2 message, protein, oxidative stress, cardiovascular function, and sympathetic outflow were evaluated. We found that (1) Nrf2 mRNA and protein in the RVLM were significantly lower in Cre mice compared with control GFP mice. Nrf2-targeted antioxidant enzymes were downregulated, whereas reactive oxygen species were elevated. (2) Blood pressure measurements indicated that Cre mice displayed a significant increase in blood pressure (mean arterial pressure, 123.7±3.8 versus 100.2±2.2 mm Hg; P<0.05, n=6), elevated urinary norepinephrine (NE) concentration (456.4±16.9 versus 356.5±19.9 ng/mL; P<0.05, n=6), and decreased spontaneous baroreflex gain (up sequences, 1.66±0.17 versus 3.61±0.22 ms/mm Hg; P<0.05, n=6; down sequences, 1.89±0.12 versus 2.98±0.19 ms/mm Hg; P<0.05, n=6). (3) Cre mice displayed elevated baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity and impaired inducible baroreflex function. These data suggest that Nrf2 gene deletion in the RVLM elevates blood pressure, increases sympathetic outflow, and impairs baroreflex function potentially by impaired antioxidant enzyme expression.

5-HT3A -driven green fluorescent protein delineates gustatory fibers innervating sour-responsive taste cells: A labeled line for sour taste?

Taste buds contain multiple cell types with each type expressing receptors and transduction components for a subset of taste qualities. The sour sensing cells, Type III cells, release serotonin (5-HT) in response to the presence of sour (acidic) tastants and this released 5-HT activates 5-HT3 receptors on the gustatory nerves. We show here, using 5-HT3A GFP mice, that 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers preferentially contact and receive synaptic contact from Type III taste cells. Further, these 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers terminate in a restricted central-lateral portion of the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS)-the same area that shows increased c-Fos expression upon presentation of a sour tastant (30 mM citric acid). This acid stimulation also evokes c-Fos in the laterally adjacent mediodorsal spinal trigeminal nucleus (DMSp5), but this trigeminal activation is not associated with the presence of 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers as it is in the nTS. Rather, the neuronal activation in the trigeminal complex likely is attributable to direct depolarization of acid-sensitive trigeminal nerve fibers, for example, polymodal nociceptors, rather than through taste buds. Taken together, these findings suggest that transmission of sour taste information involves communication between Type III taste cells and 5-HT3 -expressing afferent nerve fibers that project to a restricted portion of the nTS consistent with a crude mapping of taste quality information in the primary gustatory nucleus.

Human derived Gut Microbiota Modulates Colonic Secretion in Mice by Regulating 5‐HT3 Receptor Expression

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to trillions of microorganisms. There is dynamic interaction between the gut microbiota and the human host, but how gut microbiota modulates GI physiology is largely unknown. A recent study from our laboratory showed that human gut microbiota increases host serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) biosynthesis. 5‐HT is an important neurotransmitter and a paracrine messenger in the GI tract that increases intestinal secretion primarily through 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors. In this study we investigated whether gut microbiota modulate 5‐HT3R and 5‐HT4R expression and host secretory response to 5‐HT.MethodsWe used proximal colon mucosa‐submucosa preparations from germ free (GF) and humanized (ex‐GF colonized with human bacteria for 4–5 weeks; HM) male mice. The change in short circuit current (ΔIsc) was determined in response to increasing concentrations of 5‐HT (0.003–300μM) on the submucosal side either alone or in the presence of 5‐HT3R antagonist ondansetron (100nM) in an Ussing chamber. Receptor expression was quantified using rt‐PCR (normalized to L32) and western blot (normalized to GAPDH). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine localization of 5‐HT3R in the paraformaldehyde‐fixed 10μm sections from proximal colonic epithelium. Differences between groups were tested using Mann‐Whitney U (Mdn; IQ range) with P‐value lower than 0.05 considered significant.Results5‐HT induced ΔIsc was significantly higher in GF than HM mice (218; 184–274 vs 163; 132–182 μA/cm2, n=6, P = 0.04). To determine if this change was due to an alteration in 5‐HTR, we quantified receptor expression. We found significantly higher 5‐HT3R mRNA expression (1.82; 1.08–2.80 vs 1.00; 0.33–1.38, n=8–9, P = 0.046) in GF compared to HM mice, but no change in 5‐HT4R expression. 5‐HT3R protein expression was also significantly higher in GF mice compared to HM (4.62; 1.06–6.14 vs 1.00; 1–1.3, n= 11–12, P = 0.01) mice. There was a significantly higher ΔIsc in GF compared to HM (87.1; 51.7–149 vs 37.0; 19.5–44 μA/cm2, n=5, P = 0.02) mice, following application of 2‐methyl 5‐hydroxytryptamine hydrochloride (selective 5‐HT3R agonist) suggesting increased receptor expression augments secretory response. Furthermore, ondansetron significantly blocked 5‐HT induced maximum ΔIsc in GF mice (201; 189–260 vs 117.6; 92–149 μA/cm2, n=6–8, P = 0.001) but not in HM mice (163; 132–182 vs 120; 107–150 μA/cm2, n=6, P = 0.24). To determine the expression of 5‐HT3R in mouse colon mucosa‐submucosa we used 5‐HT3–tagged GFP mice. IHC identified 5‐HT3R‐GFP positive cells in the mouse colonic epithelium. To ascertain if the significant difference in 5‐HT‐induced ΔIsc between GF and HM mice (188; 152–200 vs 125; 99–139 μA/cm2, n=5, P = 0.008) is driven by epithelial 5‐HT3R, we measured the response in the presence of TTX (block neuronal transmission). TTX (500 nM) had no effect of ondansetron inhibition of 5‐HT‐induced ΔIsc, suggesting a role for epithelial 5HT3R.ConclusionGut microbial colonization decreases host secretory response to 5‐HT by downregulating 5‐HT3R expression. Epithelial 5‐HT3R may be important in gut microbiota modulation of intestinal secretionSupport or Funding InformationNIH K08 DK

Apc inactivation, but not obesity, synergizes with Pten deficiency to drive intestinal stem cell-derived tumorigenesis.

Obesity is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer and can accelerate Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell (ISC)-derived tumorigenesis after the inactivation of Apc However, whether non-canonical pathways involving PI3K-Akt signaling in ISCs can lead to tumor formation, and if this can be further exacerbated by obesity is unknown. Despite the synergy between Pten and Apc inactivation in epithelial cells on intestinal tumor formation, their combined role in Lgr5+-ISCs, which are the most rapidly dividing ISC population in the intestine, is unknown. Lgr5+-GFP mice were provided low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 months, and the transcriptome was evaluated in Lgr5+-ISCs. For tumor studies, Lgr5+-GFP and Lgr5+-GFP-Ptenflox/flox mice were tamoxifen treated to inactivate Pten in ISCs and provided LFD or HFD until 14-15 months of age. Finally, various combinations of Lgr5+-ISC-specific, Apc- and Pten-deleted mice were generated and evaluated for histopathology and survival. HFD did not overtly alter Akt signaling in ISCs, but did increase other metabolic pathways. Pten deficiency, but not HFD, increased BrdU-positive cells in the small intestine (P < 0.05). However, combining Pten and Apc deficiency synergistically increased proliferative markers, tumor pathology and mortality, in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05). In summary, we show that HFD alone fails to drive Akt signaling in ISCs and that Pten deficiency is dispensable as a tumor suppressor in Lgr5+-ISCs. However, combining Pten and Apc deficiency in ISCs synergistically increases proliferation, tumor formation and mortality. Thus, aberrant Wnt/β-catenin, rather than PI3K-Akt signaling, is requisite for obesity to drive Lgr5+ ISC-derived tumorigenesis.

Attenuated secretion of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) does not alleviate hyperphagic obesity and insulin resistance in ob/ob mice

ObjectiveGlucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is released during meals and promotes nutrient uptake and storage. GIP receptor knockout mice are protected from diet induced weight gain and thus GIP antagonists have been proposed as a treatment for obesity. In this study, we assessed the role of GIP in hyperphagia induced obesity and metabolic abnormalities in leptin deficient (Lepob/ob) mice. MethodsWe crossbred GIP-GFP knock-in homozygous mice (GIPgfp/gfp) that have complete GIP knockout, and mice heterozygous for the ob mutation (Lepob/+) mice to generate Lepob/+/GIP+/+, Lepob/ob/GIP+/+, and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice. Male animals were weighed weekly and both oral glucose and insulin tolerance testing were performed to assess glucose homeostasis and circulating profiles of GIP and insulin. Body composition was evaluated by computerized tomography (CT) scan and analyses of indirect calorimetry and locomotor activity were performed. ResultsPostprandial GIP levels were markedly elevated in Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ mice compared to Lepob/+/GIP+/+ controls and were undetectable in Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice. Insulin levels were equivalently elevated in both Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice compared to controls at 8 weeks of age but the hyperinsulinemia was marginally reduced in Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp by 21 weeks, in association with amelioration of glucose intolerance. Both Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice remained equivalently insulin resistant. Body weight gain and subcutaneous and visceral fat volume of both Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice were significantly higher than that of Lepob/+/GIP+/+ mice, while no significant differences were seen between Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice. Locomotor activity and energy expenditure were decreased in both Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice compared to control Lepob/+/GIP+/+ mice, while no significant differences were seen between Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ and Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp mice. There was no significant difference in fat oxidation among the three groups. Fat content in liver was significantly lower in Lepob/ob/GIPgfp/gfp compared to Lepob/ob/GIP+/+ mice, while that of control Lepob/+/GIP+/+ mice was the lowest. ConclusionsOur results indicate that GIP knockout does not prevent excess weight gain and metabolic derangement in hyperphagic leptin deficient mice.

Biomin is promising matrix for developing of new generation of bone tissue grafts

Developing of new transplants generation or "living" grafts are extremely promising area of regenerative medicine. Such transplants are a combination of achievements of modern materials science and cell biology and consist of synthetic analogues of bone and MSK patient. The aim of our study was to analyze the biocompatibility of bioactive ceramics of different chemical composition and determine the optimal composites for further development of "living" grafts Materials and MethodsThe work was carried out with primary cell cultures using. MSCs and embryonic fibroblasts were obtained from GFP mice. With cells biology methods using we have analyzed the cytotoxity and biocompatibility of 6 Biomin composites. Metabolic activity of MSCs was determined by MTT test. Results We selected 3 composites are not toxic to the embryonic fibroblasts: BiominGTlC- 500 Biomin GTG-1, Biomin T-500, but analysis of the cell proliferation showed that only Biomin TG-1 and Biomin T-500 doesn’t limit cells growth. It has been shown that MSC CD73+ cultivated with Biomin has lower level of metabolism compared to control, but Biomin T-500 is more promising for future application. Conclusions The most suitable and promising material for bone graft developing is Biomin T-500 which has a size of granules 0.4-0.6 mm and consists of β-tricalcium phosphateKeywords: Biomin, bioactiveceramics, cell culture, MSCs, graft

Crebbp Mutations Disrupt Dynamic Enhancer Acetylation in B-Cells, Enabling HDAC3 to Drive Lymphomagenesis

Somatic mutations in CREBBP occur frequently in germinal center derived lymphomas such as DLBCL and FL. However whether or how these mutations might contribute to lymphomagenesis is still largely unknown. Most CREBBP mutations are predicted to result in loss of function since they target the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain or give rise to premature stop codon prior to the HAT domain. Here, we show that Crebbp shRNA knockdown (KD) accelerated lymphomagenesis in VavP-Bcl2 transgenic mice, a model that recapitulates human GC-derived lymphomas. The median time to lymphoma onset in VavP-Bcl2/CrebbpKD mice was 114 days, significantly shorter than control VavP-Bcl2/GFP mice (193 days, p=0.04). Histopathology revealed that VavP-Bcl2/CrebbpKD lymphomas were more aggressive and widely disseminated than VavP-Bcl2/GFP lymphomas.CREBBP can regulate gene enhancer function through H3K27 acetylation. ChIP-seq in VavP-Bcl2/CrebbpKD lymphoma cells revealed significant reduction of H3K27ac peaks compared to control lymphoma cells (N = 1717, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, p<2.2E-16). Loss of H3K27ac was markedly skewed towards enhancers. We observed similar loss of enhancer H3K27ac in human DLBCL cells after CREBBP shRNA KD. Enhancer H3K27ac loss was significantly associated with repression of nearby genes in both murine (FDR q=0.044) and human lymphoma cells (FDR q=0). RNA-seq performed in three independent FL or DLBCL patient cohorts revealed a characteristic CREBBP mutant gene expression signature featuring prominent transcriptional repression (p=1.32E-14, p=0.001, and p=0.0002 respectively). Notably, the human patient CREBBP mutant signature was highly enriched in murine and human cell line CREBBP shRNA profiles (FDR=0, GSEA), indicating that CREBBP KD signature was highly similar to CREBBP mutant signature in humans. Functional analysis of the CREBBP mutant/KD signature showed significant enrichment of GC exit pathways including genes induced by CD40, IRF4 and plasma cell differentiation; as well as immune response processes including antigen processing and presentation, such as MHC class II genes (BH-adjusted p<0.05).To better understand mechanism we performed an integrative analysis of CREBBP signatures against databases of B-cell transcription factor and epigenome profiles. This analysis yielded significant enrichment (BH-adjusted p<0.05) for i) enhancers bound by the BCL6 transcriptional repressor and its SMRT/HDAC3 corepressor complex, ii) enhancers that are normally deacetylated in GC B-cells, and iii) genes induced by BCL6 siRNA. This is notable because in normal GCs BCL6 represses enhancers by recruiting SMRT/HDAC3 complexes to deacetylate H3K27. Hence our data suggest that CREBBP is a counteracting HAT to BCL6/SMRT/HDAC3. Indeed, conditional knockout of Hdac3 in GC B-cells in mice resulted in impaired GC formation and a transcriptional signature featuring upregulation of the same genes that are repressed by CREBBP KD (GSEA FDR=0). Moreover, CREBBP KD in DLBCL cells resulted in H3K27ac loss at BCL6/SMRT/HDAC3 regulated enhancers, including those nearby CDKN1A, NFATC1, FOXP1, and MHC II genes, such as HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DRB5. CREBBP KD also resulted in silencing of these genes. Since we show HDAC3 is the opposing HDAC to CREBBP then we reasoned that CREBBP mutant DLBCLs might be especially dependent on HDAC3. Indeed we observed that HDAC3 shRNA resulted in profound suppression of CREBBP mutant DLBCL cells in vitro and in vivo (DLBCL xenografts in mice, p=0.005), whereas CREBBP WT cell lines were barely affected by HDAC3 KD.The opposing effects of BCL6/SMRT/HDAC3 and CREBBP on MHC class II could have implications for immune surveillance. Accordingly CREBBP KD induced significant loss of cell surface HLA-DR molecules (p<0.05), and these cells exhibited up to 90% less capability to stimulate T-cell response in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction experiments. The loss of MHC class II molecules and T-cell response was rescued when CREBBP loss of function cells were exposed to a specific HDAC3 inhibitor. In summary, CREBBP mutations drive lymphomagenesis by enabling unopposed suppression of enhancers by BCL6/SMRT/HDAC3 complexes, resulting in a repressive transcriptional programming that disrupts GC exit and evades immune surveillance. HDAC3 targeted therapy may rescue these effects and serve as a precision approach for CREBBP mutant lymphomas. DisclosuresScott:Celgene: Consultancy; Roche: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy; BC Cancer Agency: Patents & Royalties: Inventor on a patent licensed to NanoString Technologies. Tam:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy. Melnick:Janssen: Research Funding.