Human Fetal Intestine Research Articles

Xenotransplantation of human intestine into mouse abdomen or subcutaneous tissue: Novel platforms for the study of the human enteric nervous system.

Current efforts to develop stem cell therapy as a novel treatment for neurointestinal diseases are limited by the unavailability of a model system to study cell transplantation in the human intestine. We propose that xenograft models support enteric nervous system (ENS) development in the fetal human intestine when transplanted into mice subcutaneously or intra-abdominally. Fetal human small and large intestine were grafted onto the small intestinal mesentery and into the subcutaneous tissue of immunodeficient mice for up to 4months. Intestinal cytoarchitecture and ENS development were studied using immunohistochemistry. In both abdominal and subcutaneous grafts, the intestine developed normally with formation of mature epithelial and mesenchymal layers. The ENS was patterned in two ganglionated plexuses containing enteric neurons and glia, including cholinergic and nitrergic neuronal subtypes. c-Kit-immunoreactive interstitial cells of Cajal were present in the gut wall. Abdominal xenografts represent a novel model that supports the growth and development of fetal human intestine. This in vivo approach will be a useful method to study maturation of the ENS, the pathophysiology of neurointestinal diseases, and the long-term survival and functional differentiation of neuronal stem cells for the treatment of enteric neuropathies.

Assessment of global DNA methylation in the first trimester fetal tissues exposed to maternal cigarette smoking.

AimsMaternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of negative health consequences for the exposed child. Epigenetic mechanisms constitute a likely link between the prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and the increased risk in later life for diverse pathologies. Maternal smoking induces gene-specific DNA methylation alterations as well as global DNA hypermethylation in the term placentas and hypomethylation in the cord blood. Early pregnancy represents a developmental time where the fetal epigenome is remodeled and accordingly can be expected to be highly prone to exposures with an epigenetic impact. We have assessed the influence of maternal cigarette smoking during the first trimester for fetal global DNA methylation.Methods and resultsWe analyzed the human fetal intestines and livers as well as the placentas from the first trimester pregnancies. Global DNA methylation levels were quantified with ELISA using a methylcytosine antibody as well as with the bisulfite pyrosequencing of surrogate markers for global methylation status, LINE-1, and AluYb8. We identified gender-specific differences in global DNA methylation levels, but no significant DNA methylation changes in exposure responses to the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking.ConclusionsAcknowledging that only examining subsets of global DNA methylation markers and fetal sample availability represents possible limitations for the analyses, our presented results indicate that the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking is not manifested in immediate aberrations of fetal global DNA methylation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-016-0296-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-Campylobacter activity of resveratrol and an extract from waste Pinot noir grape skins and seeds, and resistance of Camp.jejuni planktonic and biofilm cells, mediated via the CmeABC efflux pump.

To define anti-Campylobacter jejuni activity of an extract from waste skins and seeds of Pinot noir grapes (GSS), resveratrol and possible resistance mechanisms, and the influence of these on Camp.jejuni morphology. Using gene-specific knock-out Camp.jejuni mutants and an efflux pump inhibitor, we showed CmeABC as the most active efflux pump for extrusion across the outer membrane of GSS extract and resveratrol. Using polystyrene surface and pig small intestine epithelial (PSI) and human foetal small intestine (H4) cell lines, GSS extract shows an efficient inhibition of adhesion of Camp.jejuni to these abiotic and biotic surfaces. Low doses of GSS extract can inhibit Camp.jejuni adhesion to polystyrene surfaces and to PSI and H4 cells, and can thus modulate Camp.jejuni invasion and intracellular survival. An understanding of the activities of GSS extract and resveratrol as bacterial growth inhibitors and the specific mechanisms of cell accumulation is crucial for our understanding of Camp.jejuni resistance. GSS extract inhibition of Camp.jejuni adhesion to abiotic and biotic surfaces provides a further step towards the application of new innovative strategies to control Campylobacter contamination and infection via the food chain.

Transcriptome-wide Analysis Reveals Hallmarks of Human Intestine Development and Maturation In Vitro and In Vivo

SummaryHuman intestinal organoids (HIOs) are a tissue culture model in which small intestine-like tissue is generated from pluripotent stem cells. By carrying out unsupervised hierarchical clustering of RNA-sequencing data, we demonstrate that HIOs most closely resemble human fetal intestine. We observed that genes involved in digestive tract development are enriched in both fetal intestine and HIOs compared to adult tissue, whereas genes related to digestive function and Paneth cell host defense are expressed at higher levels in adult intestine. Our study also revealed that the intestinal stem cell marker OLFM4 is expressed at very low levels in fetal intestine and in HIOs, but is robust in adult crypts. We validated our findings using in vivo transplantation to show that HIOs become more adult-like after transplantation. Our study emphasizes important maturation events that occur in the intestine during human development and demonstrates that HIOs can be used to model fetal-to-adult maturation.

CHRFAM7A: a human-specific α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene shows differential responsiveness of human intestinal epithelial cells to LPS.

The human genome contains a unique, distinct, and human-specific α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) gene [CHRNA7 (gene-encoding α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor)] called CHRFAM7A (gene-encoding dup-α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) on a locus of chromosome 15 associated with mental illness, including schizophrenia. Located 5' upstream from the "wild-type" CHRNA7 gene that is found in other vertebrates, we demonstrate CHRFAM7A expression in a broad range of epithelial cells and sequenced the CHRFAM7A transcript found in normal human fetal small intestine epithelial (FHs) cells to prove its identity. We then compared its expression to CHRNA7 in 11 gut epithelial cell lines, showed that there is a differential response to LPS when compared to CHRNA7, and characterized the CHRFAM7A promoter. We report that both CHRFAM7A and CHRNA7 gene expression are widely distributed in human epithelial cell lines but that the levels of CHRFAM7A gene expression vary up to 5000-fold between different gut epithelial cells. A 3-hour treatment of epithelial cells with 100 ng/ml LPS increased CHRFAM7A gene expression by almost 1000-fold but had little effect on CHRNA7 gene expression. Mapping the regulatory elements responsible for CHRFAM7A gene expression identifies a 1 kb sequence in the UTR of the CHRFAM7A gene that is modulated by LPS. Taken together, these data establish the presence, identity, and differential regulation of the human-specific CHRFAM7A gene in human gut epithelial cells. In light of the fact that CHRFAM7A expression is reported to modulate ligand binding to, and alter the activity of, the wild-type α7nAChR ligand-gated pentameric ion channel, the findings point to the existence of a species-specific α7nAChR response that might regulate gut epithelial function in a human-specific fashion.

Characterizing the biological role of lactoferrin in early life using a lactoferrin receptor knockout mouse model (38.7)

The iron‐binding glycoprotein lactoferrin (Lf) is highly abundant in human milk. Lf is hypothesized to exert various effector functions within the GI tract of the infant including maturation of the intestinal epithelium and immune system. A lactoferrin receptor (LfR) has been isolated from human fetal and mammalian small intestine (e.g., mouse and pig), and has been shown to facilitate cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Lf. Despite strong evidence indicating that the LfR orchestrates multiple biological activities ascribed to Lf, there is currently no in vivo evidence attributing the regulatory mechanisms and tissue‐specific functions of Lf to the LfR. Our laboratory has developed the first LfR knockout mouse model to investigate the physiological role of Lf and the LfR during early life. Global gene and protein ablation was confirmed by PCR and Western blot analysis of multiple tissues. Protein expression analysis showed the LfR is highly expressed within mucosal tissues (e.g., small intestine and lungs) and at site‐specific regions of tissues directing global metabolism (e.g., liver and kidneys), suggesting that the LfR likely serves a role in host defense. The intestinal mucosa of the infant is a primary site for maternally derived protective factors. The LfR may exert intrinsic activity as a component of the mucosal immune milieu and also direct the activities of milk‐derived Lf.

Conditioned medium from Bifidobacteria infantis protects against Cronobacter sakazakii-induced intestinal inflammation in newborn mice

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with a high morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants. Several hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of NEC have been proposed but to date no effective treatment is available. Previous studies suggest that probiotic supplementation is protective. We recently reported that probiotic (Bifidobacterium infantis) conditioned medium (PCM) has an anti-inflammatory effect in cultured fetal human intestinal cells (H4) and fetal intestine explants. In this study, we tested in vivo whether PCM protects neonatal mice from developing intestinal inflammation induced by exposure to Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii), an opportunistic pathogen associated with NEC. We found that infected neonatal mice had a significantly lower body weight than control groups. Infection led to ileal tissue damage including villous rupture, disruption of epithelial cell alignment, intestinal inflammation, apoptotic cell loss, and decreased mucus production. Pretreatment with PCM prevented infection caused decrease in body weight, attenuated enterocyte apoptotic cell death, mitigated reduced mucin production, and maintained ileal structure. Infected ileum expressed reduced levels of IκBα, which could be restored upon pretreatment with PCM. We also observed a nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in H4 cells exposed to C. sakazakii, which was prevented in PCM-pretreated cells. Finally, treatment of neonatal mice with PCM prior to infection sustained the capacity of ileal epithelial proliferation. This study suggests that an active component(s) released into the culture medium by B. infantis may prevent ileal damage by a pathogen linked to NEC.

Modulation of stemness in a human normal intestinal epithelial crypt cell line by activation of the WNT signaling pathway

The small intestine consists of two histological compartments composed of the crypts and the villi. The function of the adult small intestinal epithelium is mediated by four different types of mature cells: enterocytes, goblet, enteroendocrine and Paneth. Undifferentiated cells reside in the crypts and produce these four types of mature cells. The niche-related Wnt and Bmp signaling pathways have been suggested to be involved in the regulation and maintenance of the stem cell microenvironment. In our laboratory, we isolated the first normal human intestinal epithelial crypt (HIEC) cell model from the human fetal intestine and in this study we investigated the expression of a panel of intestinal stem cell markers in HIEC cells under normal culture parameters as well as under conditions that mimic the stem cell microenvironment. The results showed that short term stimulation of HIEC cells with R-spondin 1 and Wnt-3a±SB-216763, a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor, induced β-catenin/TCF activity and expression of the WNT target genes, cyclin D2 and LGR5. Treatment of HIEC cells with noggin, an antagonist of BMP signaling, abolished SMAD2/5/8 phosphorylation. Inducing a switch from inactive WNT/active BMP toward active WNT/inactive BMP pathways was sufficient to trigger a robust intestinal primordial stem-like cell signature with predominant LGR5, PHLDA1, PROM1, SMOC2 and OLFM4 expression. These findings demonstrate that even fully established cultures of intestinal cells can be prompted toward a CBC stem cell-like phenotype. This model should be useful for studying the regulation of human intestinal stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

Transplantation of Expanded Fetal Intestinal Progenitors Contributes to Colon Regeneration after Injury

SummaryRegeneration and homeostasis in the adult intestinal epithelium is driven by proliferative resident stem cells, whose functional properties during organismal development are largely unknown. Here, we show that human and mouse fetal intestine contains proliferative, immature progenitors, which can be expanded in vitro as Fetal Enterospheres (FEnS). A highly similar progenitor population can be established during intestinal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells. Established cultures of mouse fetal intestinal progenitors express lower levels of Lgr5 than mature progenitors and propagate in the presence of the Wnt antagonist Dkk1, and new cultures can be induced to form mature intestinal organoids by exposure to Wnt3a. Following transplantation in a colonic injury model, FEnS contribute to regeneration of colonic epithelium by forming epithelial crypt-like structures expressing region-specific differentiation markers. This work provides insight into mechanisms underlying development of the mammalian intestine and points to future opportunities for patient-specific regeneration of the digestive tract.

Roles of RORγt+ Innate Lymphoid cells in mucosal tissues of mouse and human

Innate Lymphoid cells (ILCs) are recently defined lymphocytes composed of several subsets such as Natural Killer (NK), Natural Helper (NH) and RORγt(+) cells, which have no antigen receptors but exhibit rapid cytokine production after stimulation. Murine RORγt(+) ILCs can be classified either as CCR6(+)c-kit(high)IL-7Rα(high) or CCR6NK(-)p46(+) cells. The former ones play roles on the formation of secondary lymphoid tissues and the later ones contribute to the maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity by producing IL-22. Human fetal intestine, tonsil and lympho nodes harbor both NKp44 positive and negative RORγt(+) ILC subsets. Since human Crohn's disease patients have increased number of RORγt(+) ILCs in the inflamed intestine, roles of RORγt(+) ILCs on the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease became of great interest.

Effects of drugs on human foetal intestine: a preliminary investigation.

Effects of drugs on human foetal intestine: a preliminary investigation.

E2F4 expression is required for cell cycle progression of normal intestinal crypt cells and colorectal cancer cells

The generation of knock-out mice for E2F4 gene expression has suggested a role for this transcription factor in establishing and/or maintaining the intestinal crypt compartment. Having previously demonstrated that E2F4 is cytoplasmic in quiescent-differentiated cells but nuclear in growth factor-stimulated proliferative cells, the present study was aimed at determining the role of E2F4 in the control of human intestinal epithelial proliferation. Results herein demonstrate that lentiviral infection of an shRNA which specifically knocked-down E2F4 expression slowed down G1/S phase transition and the proliferation rate of normal human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC) and of colon cancer cells. Protein expression of Cdk2, cyclins D1 and A, Cdc25A and c-myc was markedly down-regulated in shE2F4-expressing cells; by contrast, expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21(Cip/Waf) and p27(Kip1) was increased. In addition, the expression of many genes involved in DNA synthesis was down-regulated in shE2F4-expressing cells, whereas no modulation in E2F1 expression was observed. A decrease in E2F4 in colon cancer cell lines also resulted in a reduction in soft-agar growth capacity. Immunofluorescence experiments in human fetal intestine revealed that cells expressing high nuclear levels of E2F4 also expressed cyclin A protein. Lastly, E2F4 and its target cyclin A were up-regulated and mostly nuclear in human colorectal tumor cells in comparison to the corresponding benign epithelium. These results indicate that nuclear E2F4 may be determinant in the promotion of proliferation of human intestinal epithelial crypt cells and colorectal cancer cells.

Significance of system L amino acid transporter 1 (LAT-1) and 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc) expression in human developing intestines.

To clarify the significance of expression of system L amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc) in the developing intestine, immunohistochemical investigation and molecular analysis were performed in the human embryonic and/or fetal intestines, ranging from 28–30 days to 34–35 weeks gestation. The molecular analysis for the expression of LAT1 and 4F2hc mRNAs was done in the pure epithelial cell samples prepared after laser assisted microdissection. The immunoreactivities against LAT1 and 4F2hc were detected along the basolateral cell membrane of the primitive gut epithelium at 28–30 days gestation. According to advance in gestational age of up to 24–25 weeks gestation, the immunoreactivity of LAT1 was predominantly observed in the supranuclear cytplasmic localization with a granular or dot-like staining pattern. Up to 8–9 weeks gestation, the immunoreactivity of 4F2hc showed almost the same as that of LAT1. However, after the age of 12–13 weeks gestation, the immunoreactivity of 4F2hc was predominantly localized along the cell membrane of apical surface of the epithelial cells. No apical and linear membranous localization of LAT1 was observed until nearly 20 weeks gestation. In the late gestational stage, both the immunoreactivities against LAT1 and 4F2hc were localized along the apical surface of the epithelial cells. In conclusion, the expression of LAT1 and 4F2hc in early developing intestine suggests they have a more important role in cell proliferation rather than functional differentiation. The predominant cytoplasmic localization of LAT1 during mid-fetal life seems to be largely inactive as amino acid transporter. On the other hand, the apical and linear membranous co-localization of LAT1 and 4F2hc in the late fetal life suggests that these molecules may play a role as a functional amino acid transporter in the fetal intestinal epithelium.

Association between EGF and lipid concentrations: A benefit role in the atherosclerotic process?

Context and objective Previous in vitro studies have shown a relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and lipid metabolism. Indeed, EGF is able to modulate lipoprotein fractions in human fetal intestine and hepatic-derived cell lines. The aim of this study was to search for potential associations between EGF concentrations and lipid parameters in both plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) among healthy individuals. Design EGF concentrations were quantified in plasma of 273 men and 279 women and in PBMCs of 57 men and 62 women from the STANISLAS cohort. In addition, basic blood constituents including lipid parameters (apoliporoteins A1, and B, total and high-density lipid (HDL)-cholesterols and triglycerides) were measured. Results Plasma EGF concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with apolipoprotein A1 and HDL-cholesterol concentrations after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index ( r = 0.155, P = 0.0003; and r = 0.112, P = 0.0086, respectively). They were also negatively correlated with the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio ( r = − 0.107, P = 0.012). In addition, EGF concentrations in PBMCs were negatively correlated with apolipoprotein B, total and low-density lipid-cholesterols, and triglyceride concentrations, and apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio ( P = 0.0018, P = 0.0137, P = 0.0142, P = 0.0162, and P = 0.0077, respectively, with r ranging between − 0.287 and − 0.222). No interactions were found with gender. Conclusion New associations between EGF and lipid concentrations have been reported, providing new perspecctives with regard to the role of EGF in atherosclerosis.

Developmental pattern of three vesicular glutamate transporters in the myenteric plexus of the human fetal small intestine.

Three vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1-3) have previously been identified in the central nervous system, where they define the glutamatergic phenotype, and their expression is tightly regulated during brain development. In the present study we applied immunocytochemistry to examine the distribution of the immunoreactivity of all three VGLUTs during prenatal development of the myenteric plexus in the human small intestine. We also investigated changes in their localization in the different segments of the small intestine and in the different compartments of the developing myenteric ganglia. Immunoreactivity against all three VGLUTs was found predominantly in the ganglionic neuropil, interganglionic varicose fibers and perisomatic puncta, but cytoplasmic labeling with different intensities also occurred. Each transporter displayed a characteristic spatiotemporal expression pattern, with the transient increase or decrease of immunoreactive cell bodies, varicosities or perisomatic puncta, depending on the fetal age, the gut segment or the ganglionic compartment. Throughout gestational weeks 14-23, VGLUT1 immunoreactivity always predominated over VGLUT2 immunoreactivity, though both peaked around week 20. VGLUT3 immunoreactivity was less abundant in the developing myenteric plexus than those of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 immunoreactivity. It was mainly expressed in the ganglionic neuropil and in the perisomatic puncta throughout the examined gestational period. Neuronal perikarya immunoreactive for VGLUT3 were restricted to between weeks 18 and 20 of gestation and exclusively to the oral part of the small intestine.

Ontogeny and induction of adhesion molecule expression in human fetal intestine.

In this study we examined the distribution of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin in human fetal intestine, to determine whether they may have a role in the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Secondly, we studied the tempo of induction of these molecules after T cell activation in explants of human fetal intestine cultured in vitro. In the fetus from 11 to 20 weeks gestation, endothelial expression of ICAM-1 and diffuse staining of VCAM-1 was observed in the lamina propria. In contrast, there was intense expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the developing Peyer's patches, suggesting that these molecules may be involved in the accumulation or organization of lymphoid tissue in the gut. After T cell activation in fetal intestinal explants, the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was increased on most endothelial cells, leucocytes, and stromal cells in the lamina propria. Expression was maintained for at least 4 days. In contrast, the induction of E-selectin was rapid, and the expression was transient, despite the continuing presence of activated T cells and macrophages. This suggests that other factors are required to prevent the down-regulation of E-selectin to maintain the sustained expression sometimes observed in vivo.

Hydrocortisone Modulates Cholera Toxin Endocytosis by Regulating Immature Enterocyte Plasma Membrane Phospholipids

Diarrheal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children worldwide. Evidence has indicated immature human enterocytes and their interaction with bacteria and enterotoxins may account for the noted increased susceptibility of neonates to diarrhea. Our aim was to characterize the developmental difference in cholera toxin (CT)-GM1-mediated endocytosis. We used H4 cells (a fetal human small intestinal epithelial cell line), T84 cells, primary cultured mature human small intestinal epithelial cells, and human fetal small intestine xenografts. In addition, hydrocortisone was used as a potent intestinal trophic factor to induce maturation of the human enterocytes. Here we show an increase in CT-caveolae and a decrease in CT-clathrin colocalization in H4/hydrocortisone compared with H4 cells by electron microscopy. In T84 and freshly isolated human small intestinal epithelial cells, a significant amount of GM1 was partitioned into the lipid rafts. In contrast, there was little CT-GM1/lipid raft association in H4 cells. However, hydrocortisone significantly increased GM1/lipid raft association in H4 cells. Furthermore, we noted an increase in the level of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and the ratio of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol in mature compared with immature enterocytes and that hydrocortisone can accelerate this maturational process. Disruption of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha using small interference RNA showed an increase in GM1/lipid raft association in H4 cells and resulted in a decreased CT response. Our studies suggest that the developmental change in CT endocytosis is partially caused by an increased GM1-lipid raft association through a maturational change of phospholipid composition on the cell surface of immature enterocytes.

Induction by NeuroD of the components required for regulated exocytosis

NeuroD is a transcriptional factor critical in differentiation of neuronal cells, enteroendocrine cells, and pancreatic endocrine cells. However, little is known of its roles in cellular functions. We show here that introduction of NeuroD into human fetal epithelial cell line Intestine 407 cells induces neuron-like morphology. In addition, multiple genes associated with vesicular trafficking and exocytotic machinery, including Sec24D, carboxypeptidase E, myosin Va, SNAP25, syntaxin 1A, Rab, Rims, Munc18-1, and adenylyl cyclase, were up-regulated by NeuroD gene transfer. Moreover, low osmotic pressure-induced exocytosis monitored by FM1-43 was enhanced by overexpression of NeuroD. These results suggest that NeuroD plays an important role in regulated exocytosis by inducing expressions of various components required in the process.

Baculovirus expression of mouse lactoferrin receptor and tissue distribution in the mouse.

Lactoferrin (Lf) has been shown to have a role in the immune system and in early development of the mouse embryo. A specific receptor for Lf has been suggested to mediate the functions of Lf. We have recently identified a Lf receptor (LfR) in human fetal small intestine. We therefore hypothesized that the mouse homologue of this protein functions as a LfR. We expressed mouse Lf (MLf) and the mouse homologue (MLfR) in a baculovirus-insect cell system. The recombinant MLfR (rMLfR) was purified by immobilized recombinant MLf (rMLf) affinity chromatography, demonstrating an interaction between rMLf and the rMLfR. RT-PCR revealed that MLfR was expressed in various tissues and during embryonic development. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the MLfR was localized in various tissues including small intestinal epithelium, stomach, kidney, ovary, and various regions of brain. In summary, the MLfR functions as a receptor for MLf, is expressed and localized in various tissues, and may be involved in the indispensable function of MLf during early embryonic development.

Ontogeny, immunolocalisation, distribution and function of SR-BI in the human intestine.

Studies employing human fetal intestine have yielded remarkable information on the role of polarized enterocytes in fat absorption. In this report, we investigated the intestinal expression, spatiotemporal distributions, ontogeny and function of the scavenger receptor, Class B, Type I (SR-BI) that plays a crucial role in cholesterol homeostasis. SR-BI was detected as early as week 14 of gestation in all gut segments and was almost entirely confined to the absorptive epithelial cells. By using immunofluorescence staining, the distribution of SR-BI rarely appeared as a gradient, increasing from the developing crypt to the tip of the villus. Western blot showed high levels of immunodetectable SR-BI in the duodenum, which progressively decreased toward the distal colon. The high-resolution immunogold technique revealed labelling mainly over microvilli of the enterocyte. SR-BI was not associated with caveolin-1 and was not detectable in caveolae. In order to define the role of SR-BI in intestinal cholesterol absorption, Caco-2 cells were transfected with a constitutive expression vector (pZeoSV) containing human SR-BI cDNA inserted in an antisense orientation. As noted by immunoblotting and Protein A-gold techniques, stable transformants contained 40, 60 and 80% the SR-BI level of control Caco-2 cells and exhibited a proportional drop in free cholesterol uptake without altering the capture of phospholipids or cholesteryl ester. Confirmation of these data was obtained in intestinal organ culture where SR-BI antibodies lowered cholesterol uptake. These observations suggest that the human intestine possesses a developmental and regional SR-BI pattern of distribution, and extends our knowledge in SR-BI-mediated cholesterol transport.