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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A Combinatorial Single-cell Approach to Characterize the Molecular and Immunophenotypic Heterogeneity of Human Stem and Progenitor Populations
Published on: October 25, 2018
New approach for m-cell-specific molecules screening by comprehensive transcriptome analysis
Gaku Nakato1, Shinji Fukuda, Koji Hase
1International Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
Abstract:
A minor population of M cells within the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of intestinal Peyer's patches (PPs) serves as a major portal for entry of exogenous antigens. Characterization of the mammalian M cells, including identification of M-cell surface molecules used for bacterial uptake, has been hampered by their relative rarity. In contrast, M cells constitute virtually all of the FAE cells in the avian bursa of Fabricius. We therefore performed comparative gene expression profiling of chicken and murine FAE to identify commonly expressed genes by M cells in both species. The comprehensive transcriptome analysis revealed that 28 genes were commonly up-regulated in FAE from both species. In situ hybridization revealed that annexin A10 (Anxa10) mRNA was scattered in FAE, and co-localized with Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 binding to M cells. Whole-mount immunostaining also revealed that cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) was expressed on the luminal side of the apical plasma membrane of M cells, and co-localized with grycoprotein 2 that recognizes only M cells in murine PP. Our findings identify new M-cell-specific molecules through using comprehensive transcriptome analysis. These conserved molecules in M cells of mice and chickens may play essential roles in M-cell function and/or differentiation.
Insights
Researchers identified new M cell molecules by comparing gene expression in mice and chickens. These findings reveal conserved M cell proteins important for immune function and differentiation in both species.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- M cells in Peyer's patches (PPs) are crucial for antigen uptake but rare in mammals.
- Avian M cells are abundant, offering a model for comparative study.
- Identifying M cell-specific molecules is key to understanding their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify conserved M cell-specific genes and molecules in avian and mammalian species.
- To characterize novel M cell surface proteins involved in antigen sampling.
- To understand the functional and differentiation roles of these conserved molecules.
Main Methods:
- Comparative gene expression profiling of chicken and murine follicle-associated epithelium (FAE).
- In situ hybridization to localize gene expression.
- Whole-mount immunostaining to identify protein localization and co-expression.
Main Results:
- 28 genes were commonly up-regulated in FAE from both chickens and mice.
- Annexin A10 (Anxa10) mRNA and cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) were identified as M cell-specific markers.
- PrP(C) co-localized with glycoprotein 2 on M cell surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Comparative transcriptomics successfully identified conserved M cell molecules.
- Annexin A10 and PrP(C) are novel, species-conserved M cell markers.
- These conserved molecules likely play vital roles in M cell function and differentiation.
