Dataset Information

The RNA-binding protein Imp1 promotes a Spdef transcriptional program and mucus fucosylation during necrotizing enterocolitis

ABSTRACT: Background: In the United States over 10% of all neonates are born premature (less than 37 weeks gestational age), and many face complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is the most deadly gastrointestinal disease in preterm neonates with up to 50% mortality. Since there is no cure for NEC, prevention is the best strategy. Enhancing our understanding of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) responses to NEC damage will provide novel therapeutic targets to prevent NEC. Published evidence suggests that the RNA-binding protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IMP1) plays roles in intestinal development, barrier function, and intestinal repair. Notably, however, roles for IMP1 in NEC are not defined. Goblet cells produce protective mucus in the intestine, and their mature function is dependent on the transcription factor Spdef. Emerging evidence suggests that goblet cell mucus complexity impacts barrier function and inflammation susceptibility. This study aimed to define the role of IMP1 in NEC pathogenesis using neonatal human enteroids and a model of NEC-like intestinal injury in mice with IEC-specific Imp1 overexpression and loss. Hypothesis: IMP1 expression is protective in a mouse model of NEC. Methods: This study used mice with intestinal epithelial Imp1 overexpression or loss and corresponding wildtype controls. At post-natal day 3, mice of both sexes were randomly assigned to control or NEC groups. NEC was induced with the well-established experimental NEC-like intestinal injury model, including stress, formula feeding, and hypoxia. Effects were assessed using RNA sequencing, western blotting, and immunostaining. Results: Inflammatory bacteria induced IMP1 expression in neonatal human enteroids. Mice with Imp1 overexpression incur worse intestinal damage during NEC. Pathway analysis of RNA sequencing data revealed a significant enrichment of the Spdef transcriptional network in Imp1IEC-OE during NEC. This included significant upregulation of Spdef target genes such as Agr2 and Fut2. In silico analysis predicted Imp1 binding to Spdef and mucus glycosylation mediator mRNAs. Although genotype did not affect goblet cell number, Imp1IEC-OE mice with NEC exhibited significant increases (p<0.05) in Spdef protein, genes responsible for goblet cell function (Spink4, Klk1, Tspg1) and mucus glycosylation (Gcnt3, B3gnt7, Qsox1). Ultimately, Imp1 overexpression led to increased mucus fucosylation during NEC. Conclusion: Our data indicate that during NEC, upregulation of Imp1 promotes goblet cell function via Spdef, including enhanced goblet cell maturation and mucus fucosylation.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE318580 | GEO | 2026/06/02

REPOSITORIES: GEO

ACCESS DATA

Dataset's files

Source:

			Action	DRS
		Other

Items per page:

1 - 1 of 1

Similar Datasets

Project description:Background; MUC2 mucin produced by intestinal goblet cells is the major component of the intestinal mucus barrier. MUC2 homo-oligomerizes intracellularly into large secreted polymers which give mucus its viscous properties. The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ulcerative colitis is characterized by depleted goblet cells and a reduced mucus layer, whereas goblet cells and the mucus layer are increased in the other major inflammatory bowel disease, Crohnâs disease. Methods and Findings; By murine N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-mutagenesis we identified two distinct non-complementing missense mutations in Muc2 exons encoding N- and C-terminal homo-oligomerization domains causing an ulcerative colitis-like phenotype. Both strains developed mild spontaneous distal intestinal inflammation, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding and prolapse, increased susceptibility to acute and chronic colitis induced by a luminal toxin, aberrant Muc2 biosynthesis, smaller goblet cell thecae (less stored mucin) and a diminished mucus barrier. Enhanced local production of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was seen in the distal colon. The number of leukocytes within mesenteric lymph nodes was increased five-fold and leukocytes cultured in vitro produced both Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-13). Intestinal permeability was increased and the luminal bacterial flora were more heavily coated with immunoglobulin as occurs in IBD. This pathology was accompanied by accumulation of the Muc2 precursor and ultrastructural and biochemical evidence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in goblet cells, activation of the unfolded protein response, and altered intestinal expression of genes involved in ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis and wound repair. Expression of mutated Muc2 oligomerization domains in vitro demonstrated that aberrant Muc2 oligomerization underlies the ER stress. These models show that mutations in Muc2 oligomerization domains can lead to aberrant assembly of the Muc2 complex leading to ER stress, a depleted mucus barrier and intestinal inflammation. In ulcerative colitis we demonstrate similar accumulation of non-glycosylated MUC2 precursor in goblet cells together with ultrastructural and biochemical evidence of ER stress even in non-inflamed intestinal tissue. Conclusions; The observations that mucin misfolding and ER stress lead directly to intestinal inflammation and that ER stress and goblet cell pathology occur in ulcerative colitis suggest that ER stress-related mucin depletion could be a fundamental component of the pathogenesis of colitis. Experiment Overall Design: 3 individual mice from the Eeyore, Winnie or Wild-type strains were compared as groups. An Affymetrix ID was compared between groups if the ID was Present within two of the three mice within each grouping. IDs were compared by calculating the log2 of Group One average signal divided by Group 2 average signal.

Dataset Information

The RNA-binding protein Imp1 promotes a Spdef transcriptional program and mucus fucosylation during necrotizing enterocolitis

Dataset's files

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets