Reaching for more: How reproduction transforms the maternal intestine.
Maria H Festing1, Kubra B Akkaya-Colak1, Maria M Mihaylova1
1Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Cell
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Pregnancy triggers intestinal remodeling via an anticipatory growth program. This process, supported by sodium-glucose cotransporter 3a (SGLT3a) and fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (Fgfbp1)-positive progenitor cells, is largely irreversible.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gastrointestinal physiology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Pregnancy necessitates significant physiological adaptations in maternal organs, including the small intestine, to support fetal development.
- The precise molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways initiating pregnancy-induced intestinal remodeling remain largely unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms responsible for intestinal growth during pregnancy.
- To investigate the role of specific transporters and progenitor cells in mediating intestinal adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to study intestinal changes during pregnancy.
- Employed techniques to analyze gene expression, cell proliferation, and progenitor cell populations.
- Investigated the function of sodium-glucose cotransporter 3a (SGLT3a) and fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (Fgfbp1) in intestinal remodeling.
Main Results:
- Identified an anticipatory intestinal growth program initiated during pregnancy.
- Demonstrated that this growth program is partially irreversible.
- Showed that the growth is dependent on sodium-glucose cotransporter 3a (SGLT3a) activity, leading to an increase in fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 (Fgfbp1)-positive progenitor cells.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-induced intestinal remodeling is orchestrated by a pre-programmed growth mechanism.
- The SGLT3a-dependent expansion of Fgfbp1-positive progenitor cells is a key component of this adaptive intestinal growth.
- This adaptive response is largely permanent, suggesting long-term functional changes in the maternal intestine.
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