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Neurotensin regulates proliferation and stem cell function in the small intestine in a nutrient-dependent manner

ABSTRACT: Background & Aims: Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are sensitive to dietary alterations and nutrient availability. Neurotensin (NT), a gut peptide localized predominantly to the small bowel and released by fat ingestion, stimulates the growth of intestinal mucosa under basal conditions and during periods of nutrient deprivation, suggesting a possible role for NT on ISC function. Methods: Lgr5-EGFP, NT wild type (Nt+/+) and Lgr5-EGFP, NT knockout (Nt-/-) mice were fed ad libitum (AL) or fasted for 48 h. Small intestine crypts were examined by RNAseq analysis. Results: Loss of NT impaired crypt cell proliferation and ISC function in a manner dependent on nutrient status. Under nutrient-rich conditions, NT stimulated the expression of genes that promote cell cycle progression, leading to crypt cell proliferation. Under conditions of nutrient depletion, NT stimulated WNT/β-catenin signaling and promoted an ISC gene signature, leading to enhanced ISC function. NT was required for the induction of WNT/β-catenin signaling and ISC-specific gene expression during nutrient depletion, and loss of NT reduced crypt cell proliferation and impaired ISC function and Lgr5 expression in the intestine during fasting. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings establish an evolutionarily conserved role for NT in ISC maintenance during nutritional stress.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE182828 | GEO | 2021/09/29

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background & Aims: Hierarchical organization of intestine relies on their stem cells by self-renew and producing committed progenitors. Although signals like Wnt are known to animate the continued renewal by maintaining intestinal stem cells (ISCs) activity, molecular mechanisms especially E3 ubiquitin ligases that modulate ISCs ‘stemness’ and supportive niche have not been well understood. Here, we investigated the role of Cullin 4B (Cul4b) in regulating ISC functions. Methods: We generated mice with intestinal epithelial-specific disruption of Cul4b (pVillin-cre; Cul4bfn/Y), inducible disruption of Cul4b (Lgr5-creERT2; Cul4bfn/Y, CAG-creERT2; Cul4bfn/Y) and their control (Cul4bfn/Y). Intestinal tissues were analyzed by histology, immunofluorescence, RNA sequencing and mass spectrum. Intestinal organoids deprived from mice with pVillin-Cre; Cul4bfn/Y, Lgr5-Cre; Cul4bfn/Y, Tg-Cul4b and their controls were used in assays to measure intestinal self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. Wnt signaling and intestinal markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays. Differential proteins upon Cul4b ablation or Cul4b-interacting proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Results: Cul4b specifically located at ISCs zone. Block of Cul4b impaired intestinal homeostasis maintenance by reduced self-renewal and proliferation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Cul4b-null intestine lose ISC characterization and showed disturbed ISC niche. Mechanistically, reactivated Wnt pathway could recover intestinal dysfunction of Cul4b knockout mice. Analysis of differential total and ubiquitylated proteins uncovered the novel targeting substrate of Cullin-Ring ubiquitin ligase 4b (CRL4b), immunity-related GTPase family M member 1 (Irgm1) in intestine. Decreased Irgm1 rescued abnormally interferon signaling, overemphasized autophagy and downstream phosphate proteins in Cul4b knockout mice. Conclusion: We conclude that Cul4b is essential for ISC self-renewal and Paneth cell function by targeting Irgm1 and modulating Wnt signaling. Our results demonstrate that Cul4b is a novel ISC stemness and niche regulator.