IL-17RA-Mediated Epithelial Cell Activity Prevents Severe Inflammatory Response to Helicobacter pylori Infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative pathogen that colonizes the stomach, induces inflammation, and drives pathological changes in the stomach tissue, including gastric cancer. As the principal cytokine produced by Th17 cells, IL-17 mediates protective immunity against pathogens by inducing the activation and mobilization of neutrophils. Whereas IL-17A is largely produced by lymphocytes, the IL-17 receptor is expressed in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and hematopoietic cells. Loss of the IL-17RA in mice results in impaired antimicrobial responses to extracellular bacteria. In the context of H. pylori infection, this is compounded by extensive inflammation in Il17ra-/- mice. In this study, Foxa3creIl17rafl/fl (Il17raΔGI-Epi) and Il17rafl/fl (control) mice were used to test the hypothesis that IL-17RA signaling, specifically in epithelial cells, protects against severe inflammation after H. pylori infection. The data indicate that Il17raΔGI-Epi mice develop increased inflammation compared with controls. Despite reduced Pigr expression, levels of IgA increased in the gastric wash, suggesting significant increase in Ag-specific activation of the T follicular helper/B cell axis. Gene expression analysis of stomach tissues indicate that both acute and chronic responses are significantly increased in Il17raΔGI-Epi mice compared with controls. These data suggest that a deficiency of IL-17RA in epithelial cells is sufficient to drive chronic inflammation and hyperactivation of the Th17/T follicular helper/B cell axis but is not required for recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Furthermore, the data suggest that fibroblasts can produce chemokines in response to IL-17 and may contribute to H. pylori-induced inflammation through this pathway.

Animal models of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. Over the past 25 yr, great strides have been made toward understanding its pathogenesis, in part due to studies in several types of animal models. The vast majority of these models have been characterized in mice. In this review, we summarize the histopathological features of eosinophilic esophagitis recapitulated by these animal models, as well as discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

A human milk oligosaccharide prevents intestinal inflammation in adulthood via modulating gut microbial metabolism.

Observational evidence suggests that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) promote the growth of commensal bacteria in early life and adulthood. However, the mechanisms by which HMOs benefit health through modulation of gut microbial homeostasis remain largely unknown. 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is the most abundant oligosaccharide in human milk and contributes to the essential health benefits associated with human milk consumption. Here, we investigated how 2'-FL prevents colitis in adulthood through its effects on the gut microbial community. We found that the gut microbiota from adult mice that consumed 2'-FL exhibited an increase in abundance of several health-associated genera, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The 2'-FL-modulated gut microbial community exerted preventive effects on colitis in adult mice. By using Bifidobacterium infantis as a 2'-FL-consuming bacterial model, exploratory metabolomics revealed novel 2'-FL-enriched secretory metabolites by Bifidobacterium infantis, including pantothenol. Importantly, pantothenate significantly protected the intestinal barrier against oxidative stress and mitigated colitis in adult mice. Furthermore, microbial metabolic pathway analysis identified 26 dysregulated metabolic pathways in fecal microbiota from patients with ulcerative colitis, which were significantly regulated by 2'-FL treatment in adult mice, indicating that 2'-FL has the potential to rectify dysregulated microbial metabolism in colitis. These findings support the contribution of the 2'-FL-shaped gut microbial community and bacterial metabolite production to the protection of intestinal integrity and prevention of intestinal inflammation in adulthood.IMPORTANCEAt present, neither basic research nor clinical studies have revealed the exact biological functions or mechanisms of action of individual oligosaccharides during development or in adulthood. Thus, it remains largely unknown whether human milk oligosaccharides could serve as effective therapeutics for gastrointestinal-related diseases. Results from the present study uncover 2'-FL-driven alterations in bacterial metabolism and identify novel B. infantis-secreted metabolites following the consumption of 2'-FL, including pantothenol. This work further demonstrates a previously unrecognized role of pantothenate in significantly protecting the intestinal barrier against oxidative stress and mitigating colitis in adult mice. Remarkably, 2'-FL-enhanced bacterial metabolic pathways are found to be dysregulated in the fecal microbiota of ulcerative colitis patients. These novel metabolic pathways underlying the bioactivities of 2'-FL may lay a foundation for applying individual oligosaccharides for prophylactic intervention for diseases associated with impaired intestinal homeostasis.

A synthesis and subgroup analysis of the eosinophilic esophagitis tissue transcriptome.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune mediated inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. It is still unknown why children and adults present differently, and there is little evidence about why it is more common in men than women. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to synthesize published and unpublished esophageal bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data to gain novel insights into the pathobiology of EoE and examine the differences in EoE transcriptome by sex and age group. METHODS: Esophageal bulk RNA-seq data from 5 published and 2 unpublished studies resulting in 137 subjects (EoE: N = 76; controls: N = 61) were analyzed. For overall analysis, combined RNA-seq data of patients with EoE were compared with those of controls and subgroup analysis was conducted in patients with EoE by age of the patient (children [<18 years] vs adults [≥18 years]) and sex (female vs male). Gene-set enrichment analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), cell-type analysis, immunohistochemistry, and T-cell or B-cell receptor analysis were performed. RESULTS: Overall analysis identified dysregulation of new genes in EoE compared with controls. IPA revealed that EoE is characterized by a mixed inflammatory response compared with controls. Cell-type analysis showed that cell composition varied with age: children had more mast cells, whereas adults had more macrophages. Finally, gene-set enrichment analysis and IPA revealed pathways that were differentially regulated in adults versus children and male versus female patients with EoE. CONCLUSIONS: Using a unique approach to analyze bulk RNA-seq data, we found that EoE is characterized by a mixed inflammatory response, and the EoE transcriptome may be influenced by age and sex. These findings enhance insights into the molecular mechanisms of EoE.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Modulate Gene Expression Profile in Esophageal Mucosa and Microbiome.

OBJECTIVE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to manage children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and without a formal diagnosis. We investigated the effect of PPIs on esophageal mucosal transcriptome and active microbiota in children with normal esophagi. Furthermore, we examined whether the differences in host esophageal mucosal gene expression were driven by an underlying esophageal epithelial cell type composition. METHODS: Using metatranscriptomics, the host transcriptional and active microbial profiles were captured from 17 esophageal biopsy samples (PPI naïve [PPI-], n = 7; PPI exposed [PPI+], n = 10) collected from children without any endoscopic and histologic abnormalities in their esophagus (normal esophagus). Deconvolution computational analysis was performed with xCell to assess if the observed epithelial gene expression changes were related to the cell type composition in the esophageal samples. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of our cohort was 14 years (12-16) with female (63%) preponderance. Both groups were similar in terms of their demographics and clinical features. Compared with PPI-, the PPI+ had upregulation of 27 genes including the MUC genes. The cell type composition was similar between the PPI- and PPI+ groups. Prevotella sp and Streptococcus sp were abundant in PPI+ group. CONCLUSIONS: In children with normal esophagus, PPI exposure can be associated with upregulation of esophageal mucosal homeostasis and epithelial cell function genes in a cell-type independent manner, and an altered esophageal microbiome. Additional studies are warranted to validate our findings and to investigate the causal effect of PPIs on the normal esophageal epithelium and microbial communities.

Eosinophils Exert Antitumorigenic Effects in the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Eosinophils are present in several solid tumors and have context-dependent function. Our aim is to define the contribution of eosinophils in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as their role in ESCC is unknown. METHODS: Eosinophils were enumerated in tissues from 2 ESCC cohorts. Mice were treated with 4-NQO for 8 weeks to induce precancer or 16 weeks to induce carcinoma. The eosinophil number was modified by a monoclonal antibody to interleukin-5 (IL5mAb), recombinant IL-5 (rIL-5), or genetically with eosinophil-deficient (ΔdblGATA) mice or mice deficient in eosinophil chemoattractant eotaxin-1 (Ccl11-/-). Esophageal tissue and eosinophil-specific RNA sequencing was performed to understand eosinophil function. Three-dimensional coculturing of eosinophils with precancer or cancer cells was done to ascertain direct effects of eosinophils. RESULTS: Activated eosinophils are present in higher numbers in early-stage vs late-stage ESCC. Mice treated with 4-NQO exhibit more esophageal eosinophils in precancer vs cancer. Correspondingly, epithelial cell Ccl11 expression is higher in mice with precancer. Eosinophil depletion using 3 mouse models (Ccl11-/- mice, ΔdblGATA mice, IL5mAb treatment) all display exacerbated 4-NQO tumorigenesis. Conversely, treatment with rIL-5 increases esophageal eosinophilia and protects against precancer and carcinoma. Tissue and eosinophil RNA sequencing revealed eosinophils drive oxidative stress in precancer. In vitro coculturing of eosinophils with precancer or cancer cells resulted in increased apoptosis in the presence of a degranulating agent, which is reversed with NAC, a reactive oxygen species scavenger. ΔdblGATA mice exhibited increased CD4 T cell infiltration, IL-17, and enrichment of IL-17 protumorigenic pathways. CONCLUSION: Eosinophils likely protect against ESCC through reactive oxygen species release during degranulation and suppression of IL-17.

Eosinophils exert direct and indirect anti-tumorigenic effects in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background/Aims: Eosinophils are present in several solid tumors and have context-dependent function. Our aim is to define the contribution of eosinophils in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), since their role in ESCC is unknown. Methods: Eosinophils were enumerated in tissues from two ESCC cohorts. Mice were treated with 4-nitroquinolone-1-oxide (4-NQO) for 8 weeks to induce pre-cancer or 16 weeks to induce carcinoma. Eosinophil number was modified by monoclonal antibody to IL-5 (IL5mAb), recombinant IL-5 (rIL-5), or genetically with eosinophil-deficient (ΔdblGATA) mice or mice deficient in eosinophil chemoattractant eotaxin-1 ( Ccl11 -/- ). Esophageal tissue and eosinophil specific RNA-sequencing was performed to understand eosinophil function. 3-D co-culturing of eosinophils with pre-cancer or cancer cells was done to ascertain direct effects of eosinophils. Results: Activated eosinophils are present in higher numbers in early stage versus late stage ESCC. Mice treated with 4-NQO exhibit more esophageal eosinophils in pre-cancer versus cancer. Correspondingly, epithelial cell Ccl11 expression is higher in mice with pre-cancer. Eosinophil depletion using three mouse models ( Ccl11 -/- mice, ΔdblGATA mice, IL5mAb treatment) all display exacerbated 4-NQO tumorigenesis. Conversely, treatment with rIL-5 increases esophageal eosinophilia and protects against pre-cancer and carcinoma. Tissue and eosinophil RNA-sequencing revealed eosinophils drive oxidative stress in pre-cancer. In vitro co-culturing of eosinophils with pre-cancer or cancer cells resulted in increased apoptosis in the presence of a degranulating agent, which is reversed with N-acetylcysteine, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. ΔdblGATA mice exhibited increased CD4 T cell infiltration, IL-17, and enrichment of IL-17 pro-tumorigenic pathways. Conclusion: Eosinophils likely protect against ESCC through ROS release during degranulation and suppression of IL-17.

SELENOP modifies sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis and WNT signaling activity through LRP5/6 interactions.

Although selenium deficiency correlates with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, the roles of the selenium-rich antioxidant selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in CRC remain unclear. In this study, we defined SELENOP's contributions to sporadic CRC. In human single-cell cRNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) data sets, we discovered that SELENOP expression rose as normal colon stem cells transformed into adenomas that progressed into carcinomas. We next examined the effects of Selenop KO in a mouse adenoma model that involved conditional, intestinal epithelium-specific deletion of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) and found that Selenop KO decreased colon tumor incidence and size. We mechanistically interrogated SELENOP-driven phenotypes in tumor organoids as well as in CRC and noncancer cell lines. Selenop-KO tumor organoids demonstrated defects in organoid formation and decreases in WNT target gene expression, which could be reversed by SELENOP restoration. Moreover, SELENOP increased canonical WNT signaling activity in noncancer and CRC cell lines. In defining the mechanism of action of SELENOP, we mapped protein-protein interactions between SELENOP and the WNT coreceptors low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6). Last, we confirmed that SELENOP-LRP5/6 interactions contributed to the effects of SELENOP on WNT activity. Overall, our results position SELENOP as a modulator of the WNT signaling pathway in sporadic CRC.

Development and Validation of the Veterans Affairs Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gaps remain in understanding the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Our aim was to identify and validate a national cohort of individuals with EoE using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data. METHODS: We used 2 validation strategies to develop algorithms that identified adults with EoE between 1999 and 2020. The first validation strategy applied International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code algorithms to a base cohort of individuals who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophageal biopsy specimens. The second applied ICD code algorithms to a base cohort of all individuals in the VHA. For each ICD algorithm applied, a random sample of candidate EoE cases and non-EoE controls were selected and the charts were reviewed manually by a blinded reviewer. Each algorithm was modified iteratively until the prespecified diagnostic accuracy end point (95% confidence lower bound for a positive predictive value [PPV], >88%) was achieved. We compiled individuals from each strategy's maximum performance algorithm to construct the Veterans Affairs Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort. RESULTS: The maximum performance algorithm from the first validation strategy included 2 or more ICD code encounters for EoE separated by more than 30 days and achieved a 93.3% PPV (lower bound, 88.1%) for identifying true EoE cases. The maximum performance algorithm from the second validation strategy included 4 or more ICD code encounters for EoE in which 2 codes were separated by at least 30 days, and similarly achieved a 93.3% PPV (lower bound, 88.1%). Combining both strategies yielded 6637 individuals, which comprised the Veterans Affairs Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated 2 highly accurate coding algorithms for EoE and established a nationwide VHA cohort of adults with EoE for future studies.

Interleukin-23 receptor signaling impairs the stability and function of colonic regulatory T cells.

The cytokine interleukin-23 (IL-23) is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IL23R is enriched in intestinal Tregs, yet whether IL-23 modulates intestinal Tregs remains unknown. Here, investigating IL-23R signaling in Tregs specifically, we show that colonic Tregs highly express Il23r compared with Tregs from other compartments and their frequency is reduced upon IL-23 administration and impairs Treg suppressive function. Similarly, colonic Treg frequency is increased in mice lacking Il23r specifically in Tregs and exhibits a competitive advantage over IL-23R-sufficient Tregs during inflammation. Finally, IL-23 antagonizes liver X receptor pathway, cellular cholesterol transporter Abca1, and increases Treg apoptosis. Our results show that IL-23R signaling regulates intestinal Tregs by increasing cell turnover, antagonizing suppression, and decreasing cholesterol efflux. These results suggest that IL-23 negatively regulates Tregs in the intestine with potential implications for promoting chronic inflammation in patients with IBD.

Distinct roles for interleukin-23 receptor signaling in regulatory T cells in sporadic and inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.

Introduction: The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-23 (IL-23) has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet, the cell-specific contributions of IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) signaling in CRC remain unknown. One of the cell types that highly expresses IL-23R are colonic regulatory T cells (Treg cells). The aim of this study was to define the contribution of Treg cell-specific IL-23R signaling in sporadic and inflammation-associated CRC. Methods: In mice, the role of IL-23R in Treg cells in colitis-associated cancer (CAC) was investigated using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate in wild-type Treg cell reporter mice (WT, Foxp3 YFP-iCre), and mice harboring a Treg cell-specific deletion of IL-23 (Il23r ΔTreg). The role of IL-23R signaling in Treg cells in sporadic CRC was examined utilizing orthotopic injection of the syngeneic colon cancer cell line MC-38 submucosally into the colon/rectum of mice. The function of macrophages was studied using clodronate. Finally, single-cell RNA-seq of a previously published dataset in human sporadic cancer was reanalyzed to corroborate these findings. Results: In CAC, Il23r ΔTreg mice had increased tumor size and increased dysplasia compared to WT mice that was associated with decreased tumor-infiltrating macrophages. In the sporadic cancer model, Il23r ΔTreg mice had increased survival and decreased tumor size compared to WT mice. Additionally, MC-38 tumors of Il23r ΔTreg mice exhibited a higher frequency of pro-inflammatory macrophages and IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells. The decreased tumor size in Il23r ΔTreg mice was macrophage-dependent. These data suggest that loss of IL-23R signaling in Treg cells permits IL-17 production by CD4+ T cells that in turn promotes pro-inflammatory macrophages to clear tumors. Finally, analysis of TCGA data and single-cell RNA-seq analysis of a previously published dataset in human sporadic cancer, revealed that IL23R was highly expressed in CRC compared to other cancers and specifically in tumor-associated Treg cells. Conclusion: Inflammation in colorectal carcinogenesis differs with respect to the contribution of IL-23R signaling in regulatory T cells.

MTG16 regulates colonic epithelial differentiation, colitis, and tumorigenesis by repressing E protein transcription factors.

Aberrant epithelial differentiation and regeneration contribute to colon pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Myeloid translocation gene 16 (MTG16, also known as CBFA2T3) is a transcriptional corepressor expressed in the colonic epithelium. MTG16 deficiency in mice exacerbates colitis and increases tumor burden in CAC, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identified MTG16 as a central mediator of epithelial differentiation, promoting goblet and restraining enteroendocrine cell development in homeostasis and enabling regeneration following dextran sulfate sodium-induced (DSS-induced) colitis. Transcriptomic analyses implicated increased Ephrussi box-binding transcription factor (E protein) activity in MTG16-deficient colon crypts. Using a mouse model with a point mutation that attenuates MTG16:E protein interactions (Mtg16P209T), we showed that MTG16 exerts control over colonic epithelial differentiation and regeneration by repressing E protein-mediated transcription. Mimicking murine colitis, MTG16 expression was increased in biopsies from patients with active IBD compared with unaffected controls. Finally, uncoupling MTG16:E protein interactions partially phenocopied the enhanced tumorigenicity of Mtg16-/- colon in the azoxymethane/DSS-induced model of CAC, indicating that MTG16 protects from tumorigenesis through additional mechanisms. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MTG16, via its repression of E protein targets, is a key regulator of cell fate decisions during colon homeostasis, colitis, and cancer.

Relapse of Eosinophilic Esophagitis on Dupilumab.

Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We report a teenager with difficult-to-treat EoE on topical corticosteroids (TS) who achieved clinical and histological remission when initiated on dupilumab for a primary indication of atopic dermatitis. However, when his TS were weaned after achieving remission, his disease relapsed with worsening of his dysphagia and a peak eosinophilic count (PEC) of 55 eosinophils per high power field (eos/hpf). Upon restarting TS to his ongoing dupilumab, symptoms fully resolved, and he achieved histologic remission (PEC 10 eos/hpf). This report underscores the: (1) importance of longitudinal monitoring for EoE patients on dupilumab, (2) unmet need for guidance on how to transition EoE patients on traditional therapies to dupilumab, and (3) need for longitudinal follow-up data on dupilumab to help personalize therapy for EoE patients.

Colon epithelial cell TGFß signaling modulates the expression of tight junction proteins and barrier function in mice.

Defective barrier function is a predisposing factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Although TGFß signaling defects have been associated with IBD and CAC, few studies have examined the relationship between TGFß and intestinal barrier function. Here, we examine the role of TGFß signaling via SMAD4 in modulation of colon barrier function. The Smad4 gene was conditionally deleted in the intestines of adult mice and intestinal permeability assessed using an in vivo 4 kDa FITC-Dextran (FD4) permeability assay. Mouse colon was isolated for gene expression (RNA-sequencing), Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. In vitro colon organoid culture was utilized to assess junction-related gene expression by qPCR and transepithelial resistance (TER). In silico analyses of human IBD and colon cancer databases were performed. Mice lacking intestinal expression of Smad4 demonstrate increased colonic permeability to FD4 without gross mucosal damage. mRNA/protein expression analyses demonstrate significant increases in Cldn2/Claudin 2 and Cldn8/Claudin 8, and decreases in Cldn3, Cldn4, and Cldn7/Claudin 7 with intestinal SMAD4 loss in vivo without changes in Claudin protein localization. TGFß1/BMP2 treatment of polarized SMAD4+ colonoids increases TER. Cldn2, Cldn4, Cldn7, and Cldn8 are regulated by canonical TGFß signaling, and TGFß-dependent regulation of these genes is dependent on nascent RNA transcription (Cldn2, Cldn4, Cldn8) but not nascent protein translation (Cldn4, Cldn8). Human IBD/colon cancer specimens demonstrate decreased SMAD4, CLDN4, CLDN7, and CLDN8 and increased CLDN2 compared with healthy controls. Canonical TGFß signaling modulates the expression of tight junction proteins and barrier function in mouse colon.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that canonical TGFß family signaling modulates the expression of critical tight junction proteins in colon epithelial cells, and that expression of these tight junction proteins is associated with maintenance of colon epithelial barrier function in mice.

Factors Associated With Adequate Lamina Propria Sampling and Presence of Lamina Propria Fibrosis in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophageal biopsies in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are often inadequate for assessment of lamina propria and lamina propria fibrosis (LPF). For children with EoE, little is known about the factors associated with adequate lamina propria (aLP) sampling or the relationship among epithelial features in esophageal biopsies with and without LPF. We aimed to evaluate aLP in esophageal biopsies from children with and without EoE, identify factors associated with aLP and LPF, and examine the relationship among epithelial features in biopsies with and without LPF in children with EoE. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data from 217 children (124 with EoE and 94 without EoE [controls]) using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, Spearman's correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Active and inactive EoE were defined per the 2011 consensus guidelines. RESULTS: aLP was observed in biopsies from higher proportion of children with EoE (69%) than controls (31%) (P = .0001). Active EoE was independently associated with aLP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.23; 95% CI, 1.00-18.13; P = .05). Patient sex (aOR for boys, 8.37; 95% CI, 1.23-56.74; P = .03) and peak eosinophil count (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .01) were independently associated with LPF. Epithelial features were strongly interrelated in biopsies with LPF, and the presence of specific epithelial features was associated with LPF. CONCLUSIONS: aLP was observed in a higher proportion of esophageal biopsies from children with EoE than controls. EoE status, patient sex, and peak eosinophil count were associated with aLP sampling and LPF. Given the intricate relationship between epithelial features and LPF, computational models can be developed to identify children with esophageal biopsies without aLP who are at risk for LPF.

Impedance and Histologic Characteristics of the Sub-Laryngeal Esophagus Distinguish Eosinophilic Esophagitis From Other Esophageal Disorders.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The region of the esophagus 15-17 cm below the incisors, called the sub-upper esophageal sphincter (sub-UES), has not been characterized in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) but appears different during endoscopy. We investigated how the sub-UES differs from the remaining esophagus in patients with EoE and aimed to determine whether these differences be used to distinguish patients with EoE from those with lichen planus. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 14 patients with EoE, 7 patients with lichen planus (based on presence of Civatte bodies, dysphagia, and/or narrow esophagus with thin esophageal mucosa without signs of EoE), and 20 patients undergoing upper endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal or with dysphagia but without features of EoE (controls) at a single medical center from 2015 through 2018. Biopsies from the distal, middle, and sub-UES regions of the esophagus were analyzed by histology, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We measured mucosal impedance (MI) in all subjects at the sub-UES and 2 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm from the gastro-esophageal junction. RESULTS: Patients with EoE had significantly fewer eosinophils (median, 2 eosinophils/high-powered field [HPF]; range, 0-8 eosinophils/HPF) in sub-UES tissues compared with distal esophagus (median, 50 eosinophils/HPF; range, 22.5-60.8 eosinophils/HPF; P < .0001) or middle esophagus (median, 32 eosinophils/HPF; range, 19.3-60; P < .0001). Sub-UES tissues from patients with EoE had significantly less basal cell hyperplasia (P < .01), papillary elongation (P < .01), and dilated intercellular spaces (P < .01) than middle or and distal esophagus. MI in the sub-UES did not differ significantly between patients with EoE vs controls (P = .24), but was significantly lower in patients with lichen planus (median, 1344 ohms; range, 1046-1488) than patients with EoE (median, 2880 ohms; range, 2149-4858) (P < .001). mRNA and protein expression patterns did not differ significantly in the sub-UES of patients with EoE vs controls, except for expression of desmoglein-1, which was increased in sub-UES tissues from patients with EoE. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-UES tissues from patients with EoE differ in numbers of eosinophils, histologic features, and MI compared to controls or patients with lichen planus. These features might help to distinguish these 2 diseases.

Correction: Kaiso is required for MTG16-dependent effects on colitis-associated carcinoma.

In the original version of this article the authors noted that the GEO accession number for the relevant dataset was listed incorrectly as GSE12454.

Kaiso is required for MTG16-dependent effects on colitis-associated carcinoma.

The myeloid translocation gene family member MTG16 is a transcriptional corepressor that relies on the DNA-binding ability of other proteins to determine specificity. One such protein is the ZBTB family member Kaiso, and the MTG16:Kaiso interaction is necessary for repression of Kaiso target genes, such as matrix metalloproteinase-7. Using the azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) murine model of colitis-associated carcinoma, we previously determined that MTG16 loss accelerates tumorigenesis and inflammation. However, it was unknown whether this effect was modified by Kaiso-dependent transcriptional repression. To test for a genetic interaction between MTG16 and Kaiso in inflammatory carcinogenesis, we subjected single and double knockout (DKO) mice to the AOM/DSS protocol. Mtg16-/- mice demonstrated increased colitis and tumor burden; in contrast, disease severity in Kaiso-/- mice was equivalent to wild-type controls. Surprisingly, Kaiso deficiency in the context of MTG16 loss reversed injury and pro-tumorigenic responses in the intestinal epithelium following AOM/DSS treatment, and tumor numbers were returned to near to wild-type levels. Transcriptomic analysis of non-tumor colon tissue demonstrated that changes induced by MTG16 loss were widely mitigated by concurrent Kaiso loss, and DKO mice demonstrated downregulation of metabolism and cytokine-associated gene sets with concurrent activation of DNA damage checkpoint pathways as compared with Mtg16-/-. Further, Kaiso knockdown in intestinal enteroids reduced stem- and WNT-associated phenotypes, thus abrogating the induction of these pathways observed in Mtg16-/- samples. Together, these data suggest that Kaiso modifies MTG16-driven inflammation and tumorigenesis and suggests that Kaiso deregulation contributes to MTG16-dependent colitis and CAC phenotypes.

Blood vessel epicardial substance reduces LRP6 receptor and cytoplasmic ß-catenin levels to modulate Wnt signaling and intestinal homeostasis.

Blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES, otherwise known as POPDC1) is an integral membrane protein known to regulate tight junction formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. BVES is underexpressed in a number of malignancies, including colorectal cancer. BVES loss leads to activation of the Wnt pathway, suggesting that decreased BVES expression functionally contributes to tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism by which BVES modulates Wnt signaling is unknown. Here, we confirm that BVES loss increases ß-catenin protein levels, leads to Wnt pathway activation in a ligand-independent fashion and coordinates with Wnt ligand to further increase Wnt signaling. We show that BVES loss increases levels and activation of the Wnt co-receptor, LRP6, in cell lines, murine adenoma tumoroids and human-derived colonoids. We also demonstrate that BVES interacts with LRP6. Finally, murine tumor modeling using a Wnt-driven genetic model and a chemically induced model of colorectal carcinogenesis demonstrate that BVES loss increases tumor multiplicity and dysplasia. Together, these results implicate BVES as an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, provide one of the first examples of a tight junction-associated protein regulating Wnt receptor levels, and expand the number of putative molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in colorectal cancer.