Nicotine enhances the stemness and tumorigenicity in intestinal stem cells via Hippo-YAP/TAZ and Notch signal pathway

  1. Ryosuke Isotani
  2. Masaki Igarashi  Is a corresponding author
  3. Masaomi Miura
  4. Kyoko Naruse
  5. Satoshi Kuranami
  6. Manami Katoh
  7. Seitaro Nomura
  8. Toshimasa Yamauchi  Is a corresponding author
  1. Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
  2. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Graduate, School of Medicine, Japan
  3. Department of Frontier Cardiovascular Science, The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
7 figures, 1 table and 1 additional file

Figures

Figure 1 with 1 supplement
Nicotine (NIC) treatment increases the number of ISCs in the Intestine.

(A and B) Image of Ki67‐positive cells (Red: Ki67, Blue: DAPI) and their quantification at the crypt base of proximal jejunum (A) or colon (B) of NIC-treated and untreated mice (A:3–4 mice per group, B: 3 mice per group). (C) Olfm4 staining image (Red: Olfm4, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of Olfm4‐positive cells at the crypt base of proximal jejunum with or without NIC treatment (3–4 mice per group). (D) GFP staining image (Green: GFP, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of LgR5-GFP‐positive cells at the crypt base of the colon in NIC or control-treated Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2 mice (3 mice per group). (E) Lysozyme staining image (Red: Lysozyme, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of Lysozyme‐positive Paneth cells with or without NIC treatment (3–4 mice per group). Original magnifications: 400× (A–E). Scale bar: 50 µm (A–E). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 1—figure supplement 1.

Figure 1—figure supplement 1
NIC suppresses the differentiation of ISCs.

(A) Images of the H&E-stained crypt and villus and quantification of their length after or without NIC treatment (3–4 mice per group). (B) The quantification of the number of enterocytes per villus in NIC-treated and untreated samples (3 mice per group). (C) Chromogranin A staining image (Green: Chromogranin A, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of Chromogranin A‐positive cells per villus-crypt unit in NIC-treated and untreated samples (3 mice per group). Original magnifications: ×100 (A), ×200 (C). Scale bar: 100 µm (A and C). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 1.

Figure 2 with 1 supplement
NIC enhances the formation of intestinal organoids from ISCs.

(A) Crypts from the proximal small intestine were cultured with 10 μM, 1 μM, and 100 nM NIC or cotinine to allow ISCs to form organoid colonies; the control set contained no NIC or cotinine. Representative images of the organoids and the quantification of organoids number at day 5 (3 wells/ group) (yellow arrow marks organoids and red arrow indicates aborted crypts). (B) Colonic crypts were cultured with or without 1 μM NIC to allow CSCs to form organoid colonies. Representative images of the organoids and the quantification of organoids number at day 5 are shown (3 wells/ group) (yellow arrow marks organoids and red arrow indicates aborted crypts). (C) ISCs and Paneth cells were isolated from the small intestine of Lgr5‐ EGFP‐IRES‐CreERT2 mice treated with or without NIC; 2×103 cells each were co‐cultured in the medium containing 10 μM CHIR99021. Representative images of the organoids and the frequency of organoids at day 5 (3 wells/ group). (D) ISCs isolated from the small intestine of Lgr5‐EGFP‐IRES‐CreERT2 mice were cultured in the absence of Paneth cells using the medium containing 10 μM CHIR99021, with or without 1 μM NIC. Representative images of the organoids and the frequency of organoids number at day 5 (3 wells/ group). C: control, N: NIC. Original magnification: 40×. Scale bar: 100 µm. Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 3—figure supplement 1.

Figure 2—source data 1

The quantification of colonies in organoid assay.

https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/95267/elife-95267-fig2-data1-v1.xlsx
Figure 2—figure supplement 1
NIC induces the formation of intestinal organoids from ISCs.

ISCs and Paneth cells were isolated from the small intestine of Lgr5‐EGFP‐IRES‐CreERT2 mice (NIC-treated and untreated); 2×103 cells were co-cultured using medium without 10 μM CHIR99021. Representative images of the formed organoids and quantification of the organoid number on day 3 are shown (three wells per group). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences were denoted by p-values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 2.

Figure 2—figure supplement 1—source data 1

The quantification of colonies in organoid assay.

https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/95267/elife-95267-fig2-figsupp1-data1-v1.xlsx
Figure 3 with 1 supplement
The effect of NIC is mediated via the α7 subunits of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).

(A) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM NIC and 10 μM Mecamylamine (3 wells/group). (B) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM NIC and 3 μM Adiphenine hydrochloride (3 wells/group). (C) In ISCs and Paneth cells isolated from control and NIC mice, mRNA levels of nAchR subunits were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (n=5 per group; C: control, N: NIC). ∗p < 0.05 (vs C STEM) (Student’s t-test). (D) ISC or Paneth cell lysates prepared from control and NIC mice were immunoblotted with antibodies against α7-nAchR and β-actin. (E) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium supplemented with or without 10 μM PNU 282987 (3 wells/group). (F) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM NIC and 1 μM α-Bungarotoxin (3 wells/group). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 3—figure supplement 1.

Figure 3—figure supplement 1
The distribution of human nAchR subunits in ISCs and Pante cells.

(A) Violin plots for nAchR subunits in ISCs and Panth cells by the analysis of human gut single-cell datasets (Elmentaite et al., 2021). (B) The number of positive cells for each nAchR in ISCs and Panth cells are shown. See also Figure 3.

Figure 4 with 1 supplement
NIC induces Hippo-YAP/TAZ and notch signaling in ISCs.

(A and B) Isolated ISCs cultured using a medium supplemented with or without 1 μM NIC combined with either (A) 1 μM H89 dihydrochloride (PKA inhibitor) or (B) 10 nM Gö 6983 (PKC inhibitor; 3 wells/group). (C) Crypt lysates isolated from control and NIC-treated mice were immunoblotted using antibodies against YAP, TAZ, and β-actin. (D) In ISCs or Paneth cells (n=5 per group) isolated from control or NIC mice, mRNA levels of genes associated with Hippo-YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling were determined through quantitative real-time PCR. ∗p < 0.05 (vs C STEM) (Student’s t-test). (E) Crypt lysates obtained from control and NIC-treated mice were immunoblotted using antibodies against Notch1, Jagged1, Jagged2, Hes5, and β-actin. Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 4—figure supplement 1.

Figure 4—figure supplement 1
PI3K/AKT, mTORC1, and p38 /MAPK signaling cascades do not mediate the effect of NIC.

(A) Isolated ISCs cultured using a medium supplemented with or without 1 μM NIC combined with 5 nM Sotrastaurin (PKC inhibitor) (3 wells/group). (B) Immunoblotting analyses of p38, p-p38, p-S6, or S6 in ISCs isolated from mice treated with vehicle or NIC. (C) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM NIC and 1 μM AKT inhibitor VIII (3 wells/group). (D) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM Nicotine and 5 μM SB 203580 (3 wells/group). (E) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 μM NIC and 1 μM Rapamycin (3 wells/group). Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 4.

Inactivation of Hippo-YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling suppresses NIC-induced Colony Formation in mice.

(A) Isolated ISCs were cultured using a medium with or without 1 μM Nicotine and 5 nM K-975 (3 wells/group). (B) Isolated ISCs were cultured using a medium with or without 1 μM Nicotine and 1 μM MK-0752 (3 wells/group). (C) Isolated ISCs were cultured using a medium with or without 10 μM PNU282987 and 5 nM K-975 (3 wells/group). (D) Isolated ISCs were cultured using a medium with or without 10 μM PNU282987 and 1 μM MK-0752 (3 wells/group). (E) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 nM Ingenol-3-angelate and 5 nM K-975 (3 wells/group). (F) Isolated ISCs were cultured in a medium with or without 1 nM Ingenol-3-angelate and 1 μM MK-0752 (3 wells/group). (G) Schematic model of NIC-associated signaling pathway in ISCs. The model traces a signaling cascade via α7-nAchR, PKC, Hippo-YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling in ISCs. Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test).

Figure 5—source data 1

The quantification of colonies in organoid assay.

https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/95267/elife-95267-fig5-data1-v1.xlsx
Figure 6 with 1 supplement
Dibenzazepine (DBZ) treatment suppresses the NIC-induced expansion of ISCs in vivo.

(A) Schematic representation of the treatment showing daily injection of DBZ (1 mg/kg body weight) for 2 weeks. (B) Immunoblotting analysis of crypt lysate isolated from DBZ- and vehicle-treated mice in control and NIC-treatment groups using Hes5, YAP, TAZ, and β-actin antibodies. (C and D) Immunostained Ki67-positive and (C) (Red, Ki67; Blue, DAPI) Olfm4-positive cells (D) (Red, Olfm4; blue, DAPI) and their quantification in the proximal jejunum of DBZ- or vehicle-treated mice (NIC-treated and untreated) (n=3 per group). Original magnifications: ×400 (C and D). Scale bar: 50 µm (C and D). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 6—figure supplement 1.

Figure 6—figure supplement 1
DBZ treatment suppresses the NIC-induced expansion of CSCs in vivo.

(A and B) Immuno-stained Ki67-positive cells (A) (Red, Ki67; Blue, DAPI) and LgR5-GFP-positive cells (B) (Red, Olfm4; blue, DAPI) and quantification of their abundance in the colon of DBZ or vehicle-treated Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2 mice (NIC-treated and untreated; n=3 per group). Original magnifications: ×400. Scale bar: 50 µm. Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test). See also Figure 6.

Figure 6—figure supplement 1—source data 1

The quantification in immunostaining.

https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/95267/elife-95267-fig6-figsupp1-data1-v1.xlsx
BZ inhibits intestinal tumor growth by NIC.

(A) Schematic representation of Apcflox/flox; Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2 (Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl)tumor initiation. Mice were treated with control or NIC more than 8 weeks before a single Tamoxifen injection (30 mg/kg body weight), continued for 4 weeks before tissue collection. (B) Macroscopic quantification of the number and area of polyps in the entire intestine of control or NIC-treated Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl mice. (C) Representative images (Red: β-catenin, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of the number of β-catenin positive adenomatous lesions in the entire intestine of control or NIC-treated Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl mice. (D) Schematic presentation of Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl tumor initiation. Control or NIC-treated Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl mice were subjected to a single Tamoxifen injection (30 mg/kg body weight), followed by daily DBZ or vehicle injections continued for 4 weeks before tissue collection. (E) Macroscopic quantification of the number of polyps in the entire intestine of DBZ or vehicle-treated Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl mice (NIC-treated and untreated). (F) Representative images (Red: β-catenin, Blue: DAPI) and the quantification of the number of β-catenin positive adenomatous lesions in the entire intestine of DBZ or vehicle-treated Lgr5CreERT2 Apcfl/fl mice (NIC-treated and untreated). Original magnifications: ×200 (C, and F). Scale bar: 50 µm (C, and F). Values represent the mean ± SEM. Significant differences are denoted by p values (Student’s t-test).

Figure 7—source data 1

The quantification of polyps and β-catenin positive lesions.

https://cdn.elifesciences.org/articles/95267/elife-95267-fig7-data1-v1.xlsx

Tables

Key resources table
Reagent type (species) or resourceDesignationSource or referenceIdentifiersAdditional information
Strain, strain background (Mus musculus)Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2 miceJackson Laboratory#008875
Strain, strain background (Mus musculus)Apc CKO miceNational Cancer Institute#01XAA
Strain, strain background (Mus musculus)Rosa26-CAG-lsl-tdTomato miceJackson Laboratory#007909
Antibodyrabbit monoclonal anti-Ki67Cell Signaling Technology#12202IHC (1:200)
Antibodyrabbit monoclonal anti-Olfm4Cell Signaling Technology#39141IHC (1:400)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-GFPSanta Cruz Biotechnology#sc-9996IHC (1:50)
Antibodyrabbit polyclonal anti-LysozymeThermo Fisher Schientific#PA5-16668IHC (1:50)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-chromogranin ASanta Cruz Biotechnology#sc-393941IHC (1:50)
Antibodyrabbit polyclonal anti-β-cateninCell Signaling Technology#9562IHC (1:200)
Antibodygoat polyclonal anti-mouse IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor 488)Abcam#ab150113IHC (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-β-actinSanta Cruz#sc-47778WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-YAPSanta Cruz#sc-101199WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-TAZSanta Cruz#sc-293183WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-α7-AchRSanta Cruz#sc-58607WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-Notch1Santa Cruz#sc-376403WB (1:100)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-Jagged1Santa Cruz#sc-390177WB (1:100)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-Jagged2Santa Cruz#sc-515725WB (1:100)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-Hes5Santa Cruz#sc-293445WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-p38Santa Cruz#sc-81621WB (1:200)
Antibodymouse monoclonal anti-phospho-p38Santa Cruz#sc-166182WB (1:100)
Antibodyrabbit monoclonal anti-S6Cell Signaling#2217WB (1:1000)
Antibodyrabbit monoclonal anti-phospho-S6 Ser235/236Cell Signaling#4858WB (1:2000)
Antibodyanti-Mouse IgG, HRP-Linked Whole Ab SheepCytivaNA931WB (1:5000)
Antibodyanti-Rabbit IgG, HRP-Linked Whole Ab DonkeyCytivaNA934WB (1:5000)
Antibodyrat monoclonal APC-conjugated anti-mouse CD24 AntibodyBiolegend#101814FCY (1:500)
Commercial assay or kitTSA Plus Cyanine 3 SystemAkoya Biosciences#NEL744001KT
Chemical compound, drugMecamylamineCayman Chemical#14602
Chemical compound, drugAdiphenine hydrochlorideMedChemExpress#HY-B0379A
Chemical compound, drugPNU282987MedChemExpress and Cayman Chemical#17424
#HY-12560A
Chemical compound, drugα-BungarotoxinR&D#2133/1
Chemical compound, drugH-89 dihydrochlorideMedChemExpress#HY-15979A
Chemical compound, drugGö 6983Cayman Chemical#13311
Chemical compound, drugSotrastaurinMedChemExpress#HY-10343
Chemical compound, drugK-975MedChemExpress#HY-138565
Chemical compound, drugMK-0752MedChemExpress#HY-10974
Chemical compound, drugIngenol-3-angelateCayman Chemical#16207
Chemical compound, drugAKT Inhibitor VIIIMedChemExpress#HY-10355
Chemical compound, drugSB203580Tokyo Chemical Industry#F0864
Chemical compound, drugRapamycinLKT Laboratories, Inc#R0161
Chemical compound, drugCollagenase Type IVWorthington Biochemical Corporation#CLS4
Chemical compound, drugValproic acid sodium saltFUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation#2815/100
Chemical compound, drug[-]-CotinineSigma-Aldrich#C-016
Chemical compound, drugNicotine hemisulfate saltSigma-Aldrich#N1019
Chemical compound, drugDBZ (Dibenzazepine)Cayman Chemical#14627
Chemical compound, drugTamoxifenCayman Chemical#13258
Chemical compound, drugMounting medium With DAPI Aqueous FluoroshieldAbcam#ab104139
Chemical compound, drugCan Get Signal Immunoreaction Enhancer SolutionTOYOBONKB-101

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  1. Ryosuke Isotani
  2. Masaki Igarashi
  3. Masaomi Miura
  4. Kyoko Naruse
  5. Satoshi Kuranami
  6. Manami Katoh
  7. Seitaro Nomura
  8. Toshimasa Yamauchi
(2025)
Nicotine enhances the stemness and tumorigenicity in intestinal stem cells via Hippo-YAP/TAZ and Notch signal pathway
eLife 13:RP95267.
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.95267.4