Project description:Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) sense environmental signals that are critical for gut homeostasis and host defense. However, the metabolite-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors that regulate colonic ILC3s remain poorly understood. We found that colonic ILC3s expressed Ffar2, a microbial metabolite-sensing receptor, and that Ffar2 agonism promoted ILC3 expansion and function. Deletion of Ffar2 in ILC3s decreased their in situ proliferation and ILC3-derived IL-22 production. This led to impaired gut epithelial function characterized by altered mucus-associated proteins and antimicrobial peptides and increased susceptibility to colonic injury and bacterial infection. Ffar2 increased IL-22+ CCR6+ ILC3s and influenced ILC3 abundance in colonic lymphoid tissues. Ffar2 agonism differentially activated AKT or ERK signaling and increased ILC3-derived IL-22 via an AKT and STAT3 axis. Our findings demonstrate that Ffar2 regulates colonic ILC3 proliferation and function in a cell-intrinsic manner and identifies an ILC3-receptor signaling pathway regulating gut inflammatory tone and pathogen defense.
Project description:Diminished colonic health is associated with various age-related pathologies. In this study, we applied an integrative approach to reveal potential interactions between determinants of colonic health in aging C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed an enrichment of various potential pathobionts, including Desulfovibrio spp., and a decline of the health-promoting Akkermansia spp. and Lactobacillus spp. during aging. Intraluminal concentrations of various metabolites varied between ages and we found evidence for an increased gut permeability at higher age. Colonic gene expression analysis suggested that during the early phase of aging (between 6 and 12 months), expression of genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and (re)organization of the extracellular matrix were increased. Differential expression of these genes was strongly correlated with Bifidobacterium spp. During the later phase of aging (between 12 and 28 months), gene expression profiles pointed towards a diminished antimicrobial defense and were correlated with an uncultured Gastranaerophilales spp. This study demonstrates that aging is associated with pronounced changes in gut microbiota composition and colonic gene expression. Furthermore, the strong correlations between specific bacterial genera and host gene expression may imply that orchestrated interactions take place in the vicinity of the colonic wall and potentially mediate colonic health during aging.
Project description:Microarray analyses were carried out to compare expression profile of microRNA and mRNA in colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells between germ-free and SPF mice. Germ-free mice showed higher levels of some microRNAs and lower expression of target mRNAs, suggesting that microRNAs mediate gut microbiota regulation of gut immunity.
Project description:Microarray analyses were carried out to compare expression profile of microRNA and mRNA in colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells between germ-free and SPF mice. Germ-free mice showed higher levels of some microRNAs and lower expression of target mRNAs, suggesting that microRNAs mediate gut microbiota regulation of gut immunity.