技术资料

A coding variant of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk gene ATG16L1 has been associated with defective autophagy and deregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function. IL-22 is a barrier protective cytokine by inducing regeneration and antimicrobial responses in the intestinal mucosa. We show that ATG16L1 critically orchestrates IL-22 signaling in the intestinal epithelium. IL-22 stimulation physiologically leads to transient ER stress and subsequent activation of STING-dependent type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling,which is augmented in Atg16l1$\Delta$IEC intestinal organoids. IFN-I signals amplify epithelial TNF production downstream of IL-22 and contribute to necroptotic cell death. In vivo,IL-22 treatment in Atg16l1$\Delta$IEC and Atg16l1$\Delta$IEC/Xbp1$\Delta$IEC mice potentiates endogenous ileal inflammation and causes widespread necroptotic epithelial cell death. Therapeutic blockade of IFN-I signaling ameliorates IL-22-induced ileal inflammation in Atg16l1$\Delta$IEC mice. Our data demonstrate an unexpected role of ATG16L1 in coordinating the outcome of IL-22 signaling in the intestinal epithelium. View Publication

OBJECTIVE Exposure to lethal doses of radiation has severe effects on normal tissues. Exposed individuals experience a plethora of symptoms in different organ systems including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract,summarized as Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). There are currently no approved drugs for mitigating GI-ARS. A recent high-throughput screen performed at the UCLA Center for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation identified compounds containing sulfonylpiperazine groups with radiation mitigation properties to the hematopoietic system and the gut. Among these 1-[(4-Nitrophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (Compound {\#}5) efficiently mitigated gastrointestinal ARS. However,the mechanism of action and target cells of this drug is still unknown. In this study we examined if Compound {\#}5 affects gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) with its subepithelial domes called Peyer's patches. METHODS C3H mice were irradiated with 0 or 12 Gy total body irradiation (TBI). A single dose of Compound {\#}5 or solvent was administered subcutaneously 24 h later. 48 h after irradiation the mice were sacrificed,and the guts examined for changes in the number of visible Peyer's patches. In some experiments the mice received 4 daily injections of treatment and were sacrificed 96 h after TBI. For immune histochemistry gut tissues were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin blocks. Sections were stained with H{\&}E,anti-Ki67 or a TUNEL assay to assess the number of regenerating crypts,mitotic and apoptotic indices. Cells isolated from Peyer's patches were subjected to immune profiling using flow cytometry. RESULTS Compound {\#}5 significantly increased the number of visible Peyer's patches when compared to its control in non-irradiated and irradiated mice. Additionally,assessment of total cells per Peyer's patch isolated from these mice demonstrated an overall increase in the total number of Peyer's patch cells per mouse in Compound {\#}5-treated mice. In non-irradiated animals the number of CD11bhigh in Peyer's patches increased significantly. These Compound {\#}5-driven increases did not coincide with a decrease in apoptosis or an increase in proliferation in the germinal centers inside Peyer's patches 24 h after drug treatment. A single dose of Compound {\#}5 significantly increased the number of CD45+ cells after 12 Gy TBI. Importantly,96 h after 12 Gy TBI Compound {\#}5 induced a significant rise in the number of visible Peyer's patches and the number of Peyer's patch-associated regenerating crypts. CONCLUSION In summary,our study provides evidence that Compound {\#}5 leads to an influx of immune cells into GALT,thereby supporting crypt regeneration preferentially in the proximity of Peyer's patches. View Publication

Current guidelines encourage administering pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar-13 to patients with lupus,but whether such vaccinations affect disease severity is unclear. To address this issue,we treated 3-month-old MRL-lpr mice,that spontaneously develop a lupus-like syndrome,with Prevnar-13 or vehicle control. After 3 months,we quantified circulating anti-Pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule (PPS) antibodies and signs of disease severity,including albuminuria,renal histology and skin severity score. We also compared immunophenotypes and function of T and B cells from treated and untreated animals. Prevnar-13 elicited the formation of anti-pneumococcal IgM and IgG. Prevnar-13 treated animals showed reduced albuminuria,renal histological lesions,and milder dermatitis compared to vehicle-treated controls. Mitigated disease severity was associated with reduced and increased T follicular helper cells (TFH) and T follicular regulatory cells (TFR),respectively,in Prevnar-treated animals. T cells from Prevnar-13 vaccinated mice showed differential cytokine production after aCD3/aCD28 stimulation,with significantly decreased IL-17 and IL-4,and increased IL-10 production compared to non-vaccinated mice. In conclusion,pneumococcal vaccination elicits anti-pneumococcal antibody response and ameliorates disease severity in MRL-lpr mice,which associates with fewer TFH and increased TFR. Together,the data support use of Prevnar vaccination in individuals with SLE. View Publication

BACKGROUND The inhibition of Janus kinases (JAKs) and subsequent signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) by tofacitinib represents a new therapeutic strategy in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) as clinical trials have led to approval of tofacitinib for ulcerative colitis (UC) and hint at a possible efficacy for Crohn`s disease (CD). However,the impact of tofacitinib on cellular response of monocytes,which are key players in inflammatory responses,has not been investigated so far. We aimed to analyze JAK/STAT-inhibition by tofacitinib in monocytes of IBD patients and healthy controls. METHODS Primary monocytes of IBD patients with active disease and healthy controls (n = 18) were analyzed for cytokine expression and phenotype after granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)/interferon (IFN)$\gamma$-stimulation and tofacitinib pretreatment (1-1000 nM) and capacity to induce Foxp3+-regulatory T cells (Tregs) in cocultures. In total,20 UC patients and 21 CD patients were included. Additionally,dose-dependent inhibition of JAK/STAT-phosphorylation was analyzed in controls. RESULTS Pro-inflammatory costimulation with GM-CSF/IFN$\gamma$ resulted in significant tumor necrosis factor (TNF$\alpha$) and interleukin (IL)-6 increase,whereas IL-10 expression decreased in monocytes. Tofacitinib modulated the responses of activated monocytes toward a regulatory phenotype through reduced TNF$\alpha$ and IL-6 secretion and enhanced Treg induction in cocultures. However,in monocytes from active IBD patients,higher tofacitinib dosages were needed for blockade of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tofacitinib induced stronger regulatory phenotypes in monocytes of UC patients,including more effective inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways and better restoration of anti-inflammatory mechanisms as compared with CD-derived monocytes. CONCLUSION Tofacitinib dose-dependently reprograms monocytes toward a more regulatory cell type. This beneficial effect possibly results from selective JAK/STAT-blockade by adequate tofacitinib dosage with inhibition of pro-inflammatory responses and permission of a balance-shift toward regulatory pathways. View Publication

Post-transcriptional mechanisms have the potential to influence complex changes in gene expression,yet their role in cell fate transitions remains largely unexplored. Here,we show that suppression of the RNA helicase DDX6 endows human and mouse primed embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with a differentiation-resistant,hyper-pluripotent" state which readily reprograms to a naive state resembling the preimplantation embryo. We further demonstrate that DDX6 plays a key role in adult progenitors where it controls the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in a context-dependent manner. Mechanistically DDX6 mediates the translational suppression of target mRNAs in P-bodies. Upon loss of DDX6 activity P-bodies dissolve and release mRNAs encoding fate-instructive transcription and chromatin factors that re-enter the ribosome pool. Increased translation of these targets impacts cell fate by rewiring the enhancer heterochromatin and DNA methylation landscapes of undifferentiated cell types. Collectively our data establish a link between P-body homeostasis chromatin organization and stem cell potency." View Publication

The contribution of mast cells in the microenvironment of solid malignancies remains controversial. Here we functionally assess the impact of tumor-adjacent,submucosal mast cell accumulation in murine and human intestinal-type gastric cancer. We find that genetic ablation or therapeutic inactivation of mast cells suppresses accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages,reduces tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis,and diminishes tumor burden. Mast cells are activated by interleukin (IL)-33,an alarmin produced by the tumor epithelium in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL-11,which is required for the growth of gastric cancers in mice. Accordingly,ablation of the cognate IL-33 receptor St2 limits tumor growth,and reduces mast cell-dependent production and release of the macrophage-attracting factors Csf2,Ccl3,and Il6. Conversely,genetic or therapeutic macrophage depletion reduces tumor burden without affecting mast cell abundance. Therefore,tumor-derived IL-33 sustains a mast cell and macrophage-dependent signaling cascade that is amenable for the treatment of gastric cancer. View Publication

In patients with inactivating mutations in myosin Vb (Myo5B),enterocytes show large inclusions lined by microvilli. The origin of inclusions in small-intestinal enterocytes in microvillus inclusion disease is currently unclear. We postulated that inclusions in Myo5b KO mouse enterocytes form through invagination of the apical brush border membrane. 70-kD FITC-dextran added apically to Myo5b KO intestinal explants accumulated in intracellular inclusions. Live imaging of Myo5b KO-derived enteroids confirmed the formation of inclusions from the apical membrane. Treatment of intestinal explants and enteroids with Dyngo resulted in accumulation of inclusions at the apical membrane. Inclusions in Myo5b KO enterocytes contained VAMP4 and Pacsin 2 (Syndapin 2). Myo5b;Pacsin 2 double-KO mice showed a significant decrease in inclusion formation. Our results suggest that apical bulk endocytosis in Myo5b KO enterocytes resembles activity-dependent bulk endocytosis,the primary mechanism for synaptic vesicle uptake during intense neuronal stimulation. Thus,apical bulk endocytosis mediates the formation of inclusions in neonatal Myo5b KO enterocytes. View Publication

Areas of a junction between two types of epithelia are known to be cancer-prone in many organ systems. However,mechanisms for preferential malignant transformation at the junction areas remain insufficiently elucidated. Here we report that inactivation of tumor suppressor genes Trp53 and Rb1 in the gastric squamous-columnar junction (SCJ) epithelium results in preferential formation of metastatic poorly differentiated neoplasms,which are similar to human gastroesophageal carcinoma. Unlike transformation-resistant antral cells,SCJ cells contain a highly proliferative pool of immature Lgr5-CD44+ cells,which are prone to transformation in organoid assays,comprise early dysplastic lesions,and constitute up to 30{\%} of all neoplastic cells. CD44 ligand osteopontin (OPN) is preferentially expressed in and promotes organoid formation ability and transformation of the SCJ glandular epithelium. OPN and CD44 overexpression correlate with the worst prognosis of human gastroesophageal carcinoma. Thus,detection and selective targeting of the active OPN-CD44 pathway may have direct clinical relevance. View Publication

The higher-order architecture observed in biological systems,like viruses,is very effective in nucleic acid transport. The replications of this system has been attempted with both synthetic and naturally occurring polymers with mixed results. Here we describe a peptide/siRNA quaternary complex that functions as an siRNA delivery system. The rational design of a peptide assembly is inspired by the viral capsids,but not derived from them. We selected the collagen peptide (COL) to provide the structural stability and the folding framework,and hybridize it with the cell penetrating peptide (CPP) that allows for effective penetration of biological barriers. The peptide/siRNA quaternary complex forms stoichiometric,10 nm nanoparticles,that show fast cellular uptake ({\textless}30 min),effective siRNA release,and gene silencing. The complex provides capsid-like protection for siRNA against nucleases without being immunostimulatory,or cytotoxic. Our data suggests that delivery vehicles based on synthetic quaternary structures that exhibit higher-order architecture may be effective in improving delivery and release of nucleic acid cargo. View Publication

Parasitic helminths cause significant damage as they migrate through host tissues to complete their life cycle. While chronic helminth infections are characterized by a well-described Type 2 immune response,the early,tissue-invasive stages are not well understood. Here we investigate the immune pathways activated during the early stages of Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb),a natural parasitic roundworm of mice. In contrast to the Type 2 immune response present at later stages of infection,a robust Type 1 immune signature including IFNg production was dominant at the time of parasite invasion and granuloma formation. This early response was associated with an accumulation of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells,with no increase of other innate lymphoid cell populations. Parabiosis and confocal microscopy studies indicated that NK cells were recruited from circulation to the small intestine,where they surrounded parasitic larvae. NK cell recruitment required IFN$\gamma$ receptor signaling,but was independent of CXCR3 expression. The depletion of tissue-infiltrating NK cells altered neither worm burden nor parasite fitness,but increased vascular injury,suggesting a role for NK cells in mediating tissue protection. Together,these data identify an unexpected role for NK cells in promoting disease tolerance during the invasive stage of an enteric helminth infection. View Publication

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow within niches that provide microenvironmental signals in the form of biophysical cues,bound and diffusible biomolecules,and heterotypic cell-cell interactions that influence HSC fate decisions. This study seeks to inform the development of a synthetic culture platform that promotes ex vivo HSC expansion without exhaustion. A library of methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels is used to explore remodeling and crosstalk from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on the expansion and quiescence of murine HSCs. The use of a degradable GelMA hydrogel enables MSC-mediated remodeling,yielding dynamic shifts in the matrix environment over time. An initially low-diffusivity hydrogel for co-culture of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to MSCs facilitates maintenance of an early progenitor cell population over 7 days. Excitingly,this platform promotes retention of a quiescent HSC population compared to HSC monocultures. These studies reveal MSC-density-dependent upregulation of MMP-9 and changes in hydrogel mechanical properties ($\Delta$E = 2.61 ± 0.72) suggesting MSC-mediated matrix remodeling may contribute to a dynamic culture environment. Herein,a 3D hydrogel is reported for ex vivo HSC culture,in which HSC expansion and quiescence is sensitive to hydrogel properties,MSC co-culture,and MSC-mediated hydrogel remodeling. View Publication

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (sEVs),playing a crucial role in the intercellular communication in physiological as well as pathological processes. Here,we aimed to study whether the melanoma-derived sEV-mediated communication could adapt to microenvironmental stresses. We compared B16F1 cell-derived sEVs released under normal and stress conditions,including cytostatic,heat and oxidative stress. The miRNome and proteome showed substantial differences across the sEV groups and bioinformatics analysis of the obtained data by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis also revealed significant functional differences. The in silico predicted functional alterations of sEVs were validated by in vitro assays. For instance,melanoma-derived sEVs elicited by oxidative stress increased Ki-67 expression of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); cytostatic stress-resulted sEVs facilitated melanoma cell migration; all sEV groups supported microtissue generation of MSC-B16F1 co-cultures in a 3D tumour matrix model. Based on this study,we concluded that (i) molecular patterns of tumour-derived sEVs,dictated by the microenvironmental conditions,resulted in specific response patterns in the recipient cells; (ii) in silico analyses could be useful tools to predict different stress responses; (iii) alteration of the sEV-mediated communication of tumour cells might be a therapy-induced host response,with a potential influence on treatment efficacy. View Publication