by A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from MedUni Vienna and the FWF-sponsored Special Research Area SFB F83 Immunometabolism has unveiled the central role of macrophages in the renewal of intestinal cells. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex interplay between immune cells and tissue regeneration and opens up potential avenues for developing therapies for intestinal diseases. The findings of this study were published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
The intestines, responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients, rely on a single layer of epithelial cells to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. These cells need to be completely renewed every four to seven days to protect the body from microbial threats and prevent diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Macrophages, immune cells found in every organ of the body, were found to be strategically positioned in close proximity to intestinal epithelial cells in the colon. The research team, led by Thomas Weichhart of MedUni Vienna’s Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics and coordinator of the SFB Immunometabolism, discovered a crucial mechanism by which these macrophages support the proliferation of epithelial cells. This metabolic support is especially important during periods of proliferative stress, such as inflammation-related colitis.
The study revealed that macrophages produce large amounts of metabolites known as spermidine and spermine via the mTORC1 signaling pathway. These metabolites are taken up by the epithelial cells, leading to a switch in their cell metabolism, promoting proliferation, and strengthening their defense mechanisms. Spermine, in particular, has a significant stimulatory effect on the proliferation of colon cells. Importantly, the activation of mTORC1 and the production of polyamines had a protective effect against inflammatory bowel injury in animal models. Polyamines, especially spermidine, have been extensively researched for their potential to prolong life and slow down the aging process.
This research marks a paradigm shift in understanding the gut microenvironment. It highlights macrophages as metabolic factories that support the metabolism of other cells, which is crucial for the efficient self-renewal of the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, the study provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease and other gut-related disorders.
Thomas Weichhart emphasized the importance of the support from the FWF in enabling these groundbreaking findings. The SFB F83 Immunometabolism, which includes various groups from Vienna and Graz, focuses on investigating the metabolic interaction between tissue cells and macrophages. This study opens up promising avenues for future research, where scientists can explore the manipulation of macrophage-mediated metabolic support as a strategy to enhance tissue regeneration and combat intestinal diseases. Furthermore, further investigation into the role of polyamines and mTORC1 signaling in immune cells may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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