Project description:Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) exist in a metabolic state of low oxygen tension termed "physiologic hypoxia." An important factor in maintaining intestinal homeostasis is the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which is stabilized under hypoxic conditions and mediates IEC homeostatic responses to low oxygen tension. To identify HIF transcriptional targets in IEC, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed in Caco-2 IECs using HIF-1α- or HIF-2α-specific antibodies. ChIP-enriched DNA was hybridized to a custom promoter microarray (termed ChIP-chip). This unbiased approach identified autophagy as a major HIF-1-targeted pathway in IEC. Binding of HIF-1 to the ATG9A promoter, the only transmembrane component within the autophagy pathway, was particularly enriched by exposure of IEC to hypoxia. Validation of this ChIP-chip revealed prominent induction of ATG9A, and luciferase promoter assays identified a functional hypoxia response element upstream of the TSS. Hypoxia-mediated induction of ATG9A was lost in cells lacking HIF-1. Strikingly, we found that lentiviral-mediated knockdown (KD) of ATG9A in IECs prevents epithelial barrier formation by >95% and results in significant mislocalization of multiple tight junction (TJ) proteins. Extensions of these findings showed that ATG9A KD cells have intrinsic abnormalities in the actin cytoskeleton, including mislocalization of the TJ binding protein vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. These results implicate ATG9A as essential for multiple steps of epithelial TJ biogenesis and actin cytoskeletal regulation. Our findings have novel applicability for disorders that involve a compromised epithelial barrier and suggest that targeting ATG9A may be a rational strategy for future therapeutic intervention.
Project description:PLEKHA7 is a recently identified protein of the epithelial zonula adhaerens (ZA), and is part of a protein complex that stabilizes the ZA, by linking it to microtubules. Since the ZA is important in the assembly and disassembly of tight junctions (TJ), we asked whether PLEKHA7 is involved in modulating epithelial TJ barrier function. We generated clonal MDCK cell lines in which one of four different constructs of PLEKHA7 was inducibly expressed. All constructs were localized at junctions, but constructs lacking the C-terminal region were also distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm. Inducible expression of PLEKHA7 constructs did not affect the expression and localization of TJ proteins, the steady-state value of transepithelial resistance (TER), the development of TER during the calcium switch, and the flux of large molecules across confluent monolayers. In contrast, expression of three out of four constructs resulted both in enhanced recruitment of E-cadherin and associated proteins at the apical ZA and at lateral puncta adherentia (PA), a decreased TER at 18 h after assembly at normal calcium, and an attenuation in the fall in TER after extracellular calcium removal. This latter effect was inhibited when cells were treated with nocodazole. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that PLEKHA7 forms a complex with the cytoplasmic TJ proteins ZO-1 and cingulin, and this association does not depend on the integrity of microtubules. These results suggest that PLEKHA7 modulates the dynamics of assembly and disassembly of the TJ barrier, through E-cadherin protein complex- and microtubule-dependent mechanisms.
Project description:Defects in epidermal barrier function and/or vesicular transport underlie severe skin diseases including ichthyosis and atopic dermatitis. Tight junctions (TJs) form a single layered network in simple epithelia. TJs are important for both barrier functions and vesicular transport. Epidermis is stratified epithelia and lamellar granules (LGs) are secreted from the stratum granulosum (SG) in a sequential manner. Previously, continuous TJs and paracellular permeability barriers were found in the second layer (SG2) of SG in mice, but their fate and correlation with LG secretion have been poorly understood. We studied epidermal TJ-related structures in humans and in mice and found occludin/ZO-1 immunoreactive multilayered networks spanning the first layer of SG (SG1) and SG2. Paracellular penetration tracer passed through some TJs in SG2, but not in SG1. LG secretion into the paracellular tracer positive spaces started below the level of TJs of SG1. Our study suggests that LG-secretion starts before the establishment of TJ barrier in the mammalian epidermis.
Project description:Tight junctions seal off physical barriers, regulate fluid and solute flow, and protect the endoneurial microenvironment of the peripheral nervous system. Physical barriers in the peripheral nervous system were disrupted after nerve injury. However, the dynamic changes of tight junction components after peripheral nerve injury have not been fully determined yet. In the current study, by using previously obtained deep sequencing outcomes and bioinformatic tools, we found that tight junction signaling pathway was activated after peripheral nerve injury. The investigation of the temporal expression patterns of components in tight junction signaling pathway suggested that many claudin family members were down-regulated after nerve injury. Moreover, we examined the effects of matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 (MMP7 and MMP9) on tight junction genes both in vitro and in vivo and found that MMP7 and MMP9 modulated the expressions of genes coding for claudin 1, claudin 10, and claudin 22. Our study revealed the dynamic changes of tight junction components after peripheral nerve injury and thus might contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve injury and regeneration.
Project description:Claudin family tight junction proteins form charge- and size-selective paracellular channels that regulate epithelial barrier function. In the gastrointestinal tract, barrier heterogeneity is attributed to differential claudin expression. Here, we show that claudin-23 (CLDN23) is enriched in luminal intestinal epithelial cells where it strengthens the epithelial barrier. Complementary approaches reveal that CLDN23 regulates paracellular ion and macromolecule permeability by associating with CLDN3 and CLDN4 and regulating their distribution in tight junctions. Computational modeling suggests that CLDN23 forms heteromeric and heterotypic complexes with CLDN3 and CLDN4 that have unique pore architecture and overall net charge. These computational simulation analyses further suggest that pore properties are interaction-dependent, since differently organized complexes with the same claudin stoichiometry form pores with unique architecture. Our findings provide insight into tight junction organization and propose a model whereby different claudins combine to form multiple distinct complexes that modify epithelial barrier function by altering tight junction structure.
Project description:BackgroundThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) ensures central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by strictly controlling the passage of molecules and solutes from the bloodstream into the CNS. Complex and continuous tight junctions (TJs) between brain endothelial cells block uncontrolled paracellular diffusion of molecules across the BBB, with claudin-5 being its dominant TJs protein. However, claudin-5 deficient mice still display ultrastructurally normal TJs, suggesting the contribution of other claudins or tight-junction associated proteins in establishing BBB junctional complexes. Expression of claudin-12 at the BBB has been reported, however the exact function and subcellular localization of this atypical claudin remains unknown.MethodsWe created claudin-12-lacZ-knock-in C57BL/6J mice to explore expression of claudin-12 and its role in establishing BBB TJs function during health and neuroinflammation. We furthermore performed a broad standardized phenotypic check-up of the mouse mutant.ResultsMaking use of the lacZ reporter allele, we found claudin-12 to be broadly expressed in numerous organs. In the CNS, expression of claudin-12 was detected in many cell types with very low expression in brain endothelium. Claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice lacking claudin-12 expression displayed an intact BBB and did not show any signs of BBB dysfunction or aggravated neuroinflammation in an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Determining the precise localization of claudin-12 at the BBB was prohibited by the fact that available anti-claudin-12 antibodies showed comparable detection and staining patterns in tissues from wild-type and claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice.ConclusionsOur present study thus shows that claudin-12 is not essential in establishing or maintaining BBB TJs integrity. Claudin-12 is rather expressed in cells that typically lack TJs suggesting that claudin-12 plays a role other than forming classical TJs. At the same time, in depth phenotypic screening of clinically relevant organ functions of claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice suggested the involvement of claudin-12 in some neurological but, more prominently, in cardiovascular functions.
Project description:Background: Bioengineered nerve guides with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) support recovery after facial nerve injury by acting as regenerative scaffolds. Objective: To compare functional, electrophysiological, and histological outcomes after repair of rat facial nerve transection in control, empty nerve guide, and nerve guide with GDNF conditions. Methods: Rats underwent transection and primary repair of the buccal branch of the facial nerve and were divided into (1) transection and repair only, (2) transection and repair augmented with empty guide, (3) transection and repair augmented with GDNF-guide groups. Weekly measurements of the whisking movements were recorded. At 12 weeks, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) at the whisker pad were assessed, and samples were collected for histomorphometric analysis. Results: Rats in GDNF-guide group displayed the earliest peak in normalized whisking amplitude. CMAPs were significantly higher after GDNF-guide placement. Mean fiber surface area of the target muscle, axonal count of the injured branch, and the number of Schwann cells were highest with GDNF guides. Conclusion: The biodegradable nerve guide containing double-walled GDNF microspheres enhanced recovery after facial nerve transection and primary repair.
Project description:MicroRNA-132/212 has been supposed as a critical gene related to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protection after stroke, but its regulation pathway including the upstream regulator and downstream targets is still unclear. Herein, we demonstrated the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator-1 (CRTC1) to be the upstream regulator of miRNA-132/212 using CRTC1 knockout and wild-type mice. CRTC1 deletion led to the reduction of miRNA-132/212 expression in mice brain after ischemic stroke, significantly increased infarct volume, and aggravated BBB permeability with worsening neurological deficits. Furthermore, we identified that miRNA-132 repressed Claudin-1, tight junction-associated protein-1 (TJAP-1), and RNA-binding Fox-1 (RBFox-1) by directly binding to their respective 3'-untranslated regions, which alleviated the ischemic damage by enhancing neuronal survival and BBB integrity. Moreover, the co-culture of endothelial cells with CRTC1-deficient neurons aggravated the cell vulnerability to hypoxia, also supporting the idea that miRNA-132/212 cluster is regulated by CRTC1 and acts as a crucial role in the mitigation of ischemic damage. This work is a step forward for understanding the role of miRNA-132/212 in neurovascular interaction and may be helpful for potential gene therapy of ischemic stroke.
Project description:Skin barrier dysfunction and thin epidermis are hallmarks of sensitive skin and contribute to premature aging. Avenanthramides are the primary bioactive components of colloidal oatmeal, a commonly used treatment to enhance skin barrier function. This study investigated the relationship between skin barrier function and epidermal characteristics and explored the potential of dihydroavenanthramide D (dhAvD), a synthetic avenanthramide, to improve the skin barrier. We observed a significant correlation between impaired skin barrier function and decreased epidermal thickness, suggesting that a weakened barrier contributes to increased sensitivity. Our in vitro results in HaCaT cells demonstrated that dhAvD enhances keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and tight junction protein expression, thereby strengthening the skin barrier. To mimic skin barrier dysfunction, we treated keratinocytes and full-thickness skin equivalents with IL-4 and IL-13, cytokines that are implicated in atopic dermatitis, and confirmed the downregulation of tight junction and differentiation markers. Furthermore, dhAvD treatment restored the barrier function and normalized the expression of key epidermal components, such as tight junction proteins and natural moisturizing factors, in keratinocytes treated with inflammatory cytokines. In the reconstructed human skin model, dhAvD promoted both epidermal and dermal restoration. These findings suggest that dhAvD has the potential to alleviate skin sensitivity and improve skin barrier function.
Project description:ZO-1 binds numerous transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins and is required for assembly of both adherens and tight junctions, but its role in defining barrier properties of an established tight junction is unknown. We depleted ZO-1 in MDCK cells using siRNA methods and observed specific defects in the barrier for large solutes, even though flux through the small claudin pores was unaffected. This permeability increase was accompanied by morphological alterations and reorganization of apical actin and myosin. The permeability defect, and to a lesser extent morphological changes, could be rescued by reexpression of either full-length ZO-1 or an N-terminal construct containing the PDZ, SH3, and GUK domains. ZO-2 knockdown did not replicate either the permeability or morphological phenotypes seen in the ZO-1 knockdown, suggesting that ZO-1 and -2 are not functionally redundant for these functions. Wild-type and knockdown MDCK cells had differing physiological and morphological responses to pharmacologic interventions targeting myosin activity. Use of the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 or myosin inhibitor blebbistatin increased TER in wild-type cells, whereas ZO-1 knockdown monolayers were either unaffected or changed in the opposite direction; paracellular flux and myosin localization were also differentially affected. These studies are the first direct evidence that ZO-1 limits solute permeability in established tight junctions, perhaps by forming a stabilizing link between the barrier and perijunctional actomyosin.