Isolation of Chicken Intestinal Glial Cells and Their Transcriptomic Response to LPS

TL;DR

This study isolates chicken intestinal glial cells and examines their response to LPS, revealing key genes involved in immune regulation and inflammation.

Contribution

The study provides the first transcriptomic analysis of chicken enteric glial cells under inflammatory conditions.

Findings

88 genes were significantly altered in response to LPS, including chemokine-related and homeostasis-maintaining genes.

Arachidonic acid metabolism-related genes like PTGS2 and GGT2 were identified as important in EGC-mediated immunomodulation.

EGCs may recruit immune cells and regulate inflammation without compromising cell viability.

Abstract

Studying enteric glial cells (EGCs) in chickens extends beyond elucidating the functions of a single cell type. Instead, it serves as a central gateway to understanding how the avian enteric nervous system coordinates digestive, immune, and neural functions. From maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and regulating immune responses to promoting tissue repair, EGCs play a pivotal role in gut homeostasis. This research not only deepens the mechanistic understanding of these processes but also provides a scientific basis for optimizing livestock and poultry production.

Current research on glial cells has primarily focused on central nervous system glial cells (CNS glia), with relatively fewer studies on EGCs. Given the critical role of EGCs in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and neural function, this study aimed to investigate their immunomodulatory effects under inflammatory conditions. Primary EGCs were isolated and an inflammatory model was established by treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Following LPS induction, cellular samples were collected for transcriptomic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes. The analysis revealed that 88 genes were significantly altered, with 60 upregulated and 28 downregulated. Through Gene Ontology (GO) classification, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway mapping, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, several key regulatory genes were identified: chemokine-related genes (IL8L2, IL8L1, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1); negative feedback regulation-related genes (TNFAIP3 and ZC3H12A); homeostasis-maintaining genes (C1QB and LY86); and arachidonic acid metabolism-related genes (PTGS2 and GGT2). Under LPS stimulation without impairing EGC viability, EGCs may recruit immune cells by regulating the aforementioned genes. Additionally, arachidonic acid and its metabolites likely play important regulatory roles in EGC-mediated immunomodulation. These findings provide new theoretical insights and potential targets for further elucidating the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation and developing targeted therapies.

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