Project description:The discrepancy between organoid and immortalized cell line cultures for cancer target discovery remains unclear. Here, our multi-tiered CRISPR screens reveal in vivo-relevant metabolic dependencies and synthetic lethal pairs that can be uncovered with tumor organoids but not cell lines or even 3D spheroids. These screens identify lanosterol synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors as effective treatments that impede xenografted tumor growth in mice. These lipid metabolic inhibitors exhibit nanomolar IC50 values across diverse human gastric cancer organoids resistant to first-line treatments. Mechanistically, gastric cancer organoids and in vivo tumor exhibit lipid metabolic adaptations not seen in 2D in vitro cultures. Additionally, enteric neurons modulate lipid metabolism in tumor organoids, altering drug sensitivity by up to two orders of magnitude. A neuron-cocultured CRISPR screen further reveals that acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression determines lanosterol synthase inhibitor efficacy. These findings highlight the critical roles of organoid environment and neuronal interaction in cancer lipid reliance.
Project description:We explored the potential of human gastric organoids as models for mucus production. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the organoids produced mucus containing MUC5AC and MUC6. The luminal mucus had viscoelastic properties similar to those of native human gastric mucus, as determined by particle tracking microrheology. To collect organoid-produced gastric mucus, termed bioengineered gastric mucus (BGM), organoids were cultured as monolayers at the air-liquid interface (ALI), and apically-secreted mucus was harvested and analyzed by MUC5AC ELISA, proteomics, CryoFE-SEM, and bulk rheometry. BGM contained high-molecular weight molecules also found in native gastric mucus, including MUC5AC. Proteomic analysis confirmed that BGM contained MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC1, and other stomach-specific molecules such as gastricsin, olfactomedin 4, and gastrokine. CryoFE-SEM showed that both BGM and native mucus had a porous structure and a characteristic honeycomb scaffold. Bulk rheometry confirmed that BGM exhibited shear thinning and predominantly elastic behavior, consistent with native mucus. Collectively, these findings indicate that BGM is an accessible alternative to native gastric mucus that can be produced on-demand for in vitro studies.
Project description:Enteric glia are the predominant cell type in the enteric nervous system yet their identities and roles in gastrointestinal function are not well classified. Using our optimized single nucleus RNA-sequencing method, we identified distinct molecular classes of enteric glia and defined their morphological and spatial diversity. Our findings revealed a functionally specialized biosensor subtype of enteric glia that we call “hub cells.” Deletion of the mechanosensory ion channel PIEZO2 from adult enteric glial hub cells, but not other subtypes of enteric glia, led to defects in intestinal motility and gastric emptying in mice. These results provide insight into the multifaceted functions of different enteric glial cell subtypes in gut health and emphasize that therapies targeting enteric glia could advance the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Project description:Enteric glia are the predominant cell type in the enteric nervous system yet their identities and roles in gastrointestinal function are not well classified. Using an optimized single nucleus RNA-sequencing method, we identified distinct molecular classes of enteric glia and defined their morphological and spatial diversity. Our findings revealed a functionally specialized class of enteric glial cells that we call “hub cells.” Hub cells retain dual functionality: they generate neurons and glia and act as force transducers to regulate intestinal physiology. Deletion of the mechanosensory ion channel PIEZO2 from adult enteric glial hub cells, but not other subtypes of enteric glia, led to defects in intestinal motility and gastric emptying in mice. These results provide insight into the multifaceted functions of different enteric glial cell subtypes in gut health and emphasize that therapies targeting enteric glia could advance the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Project description:Enteric glia are the predominant cell type in the enteric nervous system yet their identities and roles in gastrointestinal function are not well classified. Using an optimized single nucleus RNA-sequencing method, we identified distinct molecular classes of enteric glia and defined their morphological and spatial diversity. Our findings revealed a functionally specialized class of enteric glial cells that we call “hub cells.” Hub cells retain dual functionality: they generate neurons and glia and act as force transducers to regulate intestinal physiology. Deletion of the mechanosensory ion channel PIEZO2 from adult enteric glial hub cells, but not other subtypes of enteric glia, led to defects in intestinal motility and gastric emptying in mice. These results provide insight into the multifaceted functions of different enteric glial cell subtypes in gut health and emphasize that therapies targeting enteric glia could advance the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
Project description:Background & Aims: Spasmolytic polypeptide/TFF2-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is known to emerge following parietal cell loss and during Helicobacter pylori infection, however its role in gastric ulcer repair is unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate if SPEM plays a role in epithelial regeneration. Methods: Acetic acid ulcers were induced in young (2-3 months) C57BL/6 mice to determine the quality of ulcer repair. Gastric tissue was collected and analyzed to determine the expression of SPEM within the regenerating epithelium. As a comparison to native tissue the expression of SPEM was also identified within cultured gastric mouse-derived organoids. Results: Wound healing in the mice coincided with the emergence of SPEM expressing CD44v within the ulcerated region. The emergence of SPEM was also observed in cultured gastric organoids. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the SPEM may play a role in epithelial regeneration. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the SPEM may play a role in epithelial regeneration. 4 samples were used for ulcerated and uninjured tissue. 1 sample was used for intact tissue and organoid-derived RNA. The 'Ulcerated' samples represent C57BL/6 mice with ulcers and the 'Uninjured' samples represent the healthy controls (for "ulcerated" samples). The "Intact stomach tissue" and "Gastric organoids" samples are other types of samples that compared separately. "Gastric organoids" in this comparison are derived from "Intact stomach tissue".