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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
The manganese transporter SLC39A8 links alkaline ceramidase 1 to inflammatory bowel disease
Eun-Kyung Choi1, Thekkelnaycke M Rajendiran2,3, Tanu Soni3
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
The metal ion transporter SLC39A8 is associated with physiological traits and diseases, including blood manganese (Mn) levels and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The mechanisms by which SLC39A8 controls Mn homeostasis and epithelial integrity remain elusive. Here, we generate Slc39a8 intestinal epithelial cell-specific-knockout (Slc39a8-IEC KO) mice, which display markedly decreased Mn levels in blood and most organs. Radiotracer studies reveal impaired intestinal absorption of dietary Mn in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice. SLC39A8 is localized to the apical membrane and mediates 54Mn uptake in intestinal organoid monolayer cultures. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis identifies alkaline ceramidase 1 (ACER1), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, as a potential therapeutic target for SLC39A8-associated IBDs. Importantly, treatment with an ACER1 inhibitor attenuates colitis in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice by remedying barrier dysfunction. Our results highlight the essential roles of SLC39A8 in intestinal Mn absorption and epithelial integrity and offer a therapeutic target for IBD associated with impaired Mn homeostasis.
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