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osr1 as a Novel Marker for ICC-Like Cells Development in Zebrafish
Wenmin Yang1, Xiaoqin Tan1, Peng He2,3
1Department of Nephrology, the Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Chongqing Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urology Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
Odd-skipped-related 1 (OSR1) is a novel marker for interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells (ICC-like cells), crucial for intestinal development. OSR1 dysfunction causes intestinal defects, highlighting its role in gastrointestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are vital for gut function, but their development and role in intestinal development are not fully understood.
- Dysfunction of ICCs is linked to gastrointestinal diseases, emphasizing the need to study their developmental origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of odd-skipped-related 1 (OSR1) in intestinal development and its potential as a marker for ICC-like cells.
- To explore the association of OSR1 expression with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of single-cell transcriptome data from human and zebrafish intestinal tissues.
- Generation of transgenic zebrafish lines (Tg(osr1:mCherry) and Tg(osr1:eGFP)) to visualize OSR1-expressing cells.
- Investigation of intestinal development and function in osr1 mutant zebrafish.
Main Results:
- OSR1 is expressed in human and zebrafish intestinal tissues, with reduced expression in IBD patients.
- Transgenic fish successfully labeled interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells (ICC-like cells) from early development to adulthood.
- osr1 mutations resulted in disrupted ICC-like cell networks, intestinal hypoplasia, and increased intestinal permeability, potentially via Yap1 regulation.
Conclusions:
- OSR1 serves as a novel marker for ICC-like cells, crucial for coordinating intestinal development.
- OSR1 plays a significant role in maintaining intestinal structure and function, with implications for gastrointestinal diseases.
