Project description:This study was undertaken to define the molecular subtypes of myenteric plexus glial cells in mice, and to understand the molecular basis for glial cells’ capacity to become neurons. Methods: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing of enteric neurons from small intestine at the adolescent mice (on or near postnatal day of life 14). We also performed both single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing on 3-dimensional neurosphere cultures. Results: We identify numerous distinct transcriptional subgroups of myenteric plexus glial cells, including cells expressing genes associated with neuronal differentiation. Epigenetic analysis shows distinct chromatin accessibility profiles that correlate with gene expression patterns. Glial cells maintain open chromatin at gene loci associated with neuronal fate. 3-dimensional cultures provide a niche for active neurogenesis. Chromatin closes at glial-associate loci during neurogenesis. Conclusion: Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing, we identify myenteric glial cell subtypes and uncover a molecular basis for a glial-to-neuronal fate transition.
Project description:Samples of dissociated mouse small intestinal longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus were prepared from post natal day 10 (P10), P20, and P60, each with two biological replicates. Samples were run through the 10x Chromium 3' Single Cell Gene Expression platform v3.1
Project description:Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have important functions in regulation of motor activity in the gastrointestinal tract. In murine small intestine ICC are gathered in the region of the myenteric plexus (ICC-MY) and within the deep-muscular plexus near the submucosal surface of the circular muscle layer (ICC-DMP). These two classes of ICC have different physiological functions. ICC-MY are pacemaker cells and generate the slow wave electrical rhythmicity of gastrointestinal organs. ICC-DMP form synaptic connections with the varicose nerve terminals of enteric motor neurons and are involved in reception and transduction of motor neurotransmission. In the present study we used recently developed highly selective techniques to isolate the two classes of ICC from enzymatically dispersed intestinal muscles by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Transcriptional expression of the two functional classes was investigated using DNA microarray analysis. Experiment Overall Design: ICC-DMP and ICC-MY cells were isolated from the murine small intestinal tissues and their transcriptional expression was compared with that of the tunica muscularis tissues. Transcriptional expression profiles of ICC-DMP and ICC-MY were compared to each other also.
Project description:The data provided here were used to generate a comprehensive transcriptome atlas for the human myenteric plexus from healthy human adults
Project description:Postoperative ileus (POI) is triggered by an innate immune response in the muscularis externa (ME) and is accompanied by bacterial translocation. Bacteria can trigger an innate immune response via toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, but the latter’s contribution to POI has been disproved for several TLRs, including TLR2 and TLR4. Herein we investigated the role of double-stranded RNA detection via TLR3 and TIR-domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-b (TRIF) signaling pathway in POI. POI was induced by small bowel intestinal manipulation in wt, TRIF-/-, TLR3-/-, type I interferon receptor-/- and interferon-b reporter mice, all on C57BL/6 background, and POI severity was quantified by gene expression analysis, gastrointestinal transit, and leukocyte extravasation into the ME. TRIF/ TLR3 deficiency reduced postoperative ME inflammation and prevented POI. With bone marrow transplantation, RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry we revealed a distinct TLR3-expressing radio-resistant MHCIIhiCX3CR1- IBA-1+ resident macrophage population within the deep myenteric plexus. TLR3 deficiency in these cells, but not in MHCIIhiCX3CR1+ macrophages, reduced cytokine expression in POI. While this might not be an exclusive macrophage-privileged pathway, the TLR3/TRIF axis contributes to proinflammatory cytokine production in MHCIIhiCX3CR1- IBA-1+ macrophages during POI. Deficiency in TLR3/TRIF protects mice from POI. These data suggest that TLR3 antagonism may prevent POI in humans.
Project description:Aggresome is a para nuclear inclusion body that functions as a storage compartment for misfolded proteins. Our previous work revealed the presence of aggresomes in pediatric choroid plexus tumors (CPT). CPTs are rare neoplasms comprised of three pathological subgroups; choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC), a grade III tumor, atypical choroid plexus papilloma (ACPP), a grade II tumor, and choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), a grade I tumor. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of aggresomes-positivity and its correlation to the pathological and molecular subtypes. The proteomics profiling of 21 CPT pediatric samples was investigated using ABSciex Triple TOF 5600+ mass spectrometer.
Project description:Atoh1-Cre; Myc/Myc mice developed choroid plexus papilloma and Atoh1-Cre; Myc/Myc; p53fl/fl mice developed choroid plexus carcinoma. By studying the gene expression profiles of normal choroid plexus, choroid plexus papilloma and choroid plexus carcinoma in mice, we aim to gain a better understanding of the biology of choroid plexus tumors