Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers intestinal immune alterations and cellular diversity from chronic fluoride exposure in mice.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Chronic exposure to high-fluoride drinking water impairs intestinal structure and function, potentially damaging extraluminal tissues via the gut-organ axis. However, how lifelong exposure to naturally occurring moderate-to-high-fluoride water affects intestinal cells and their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing identified cellular heterogeneity and candidate risk genes in the mouse ileum after 56 weeks of 50-ppm fluoride exposure. Cellchart was employed to analyze fluoride-altered cell communication patterns, and gut bacterial richness was ablated using broad-spectrum antibiotics to validate high fluoride-disrupted intercellular signaling pathways. Results: Fluoride exposure disrupted enterocyte trans-differentiation,

SUBMITTER: Xin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12315694 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature