Intestinal mucins play an essential role in the defense against bacterial invasion and the maintenance of gut microbiota, which is instrumental in the regulation of host immune systems; hence, its dysregulation is a hallmark of metabolic disease and intestinal inflammation. However, the mechanism by which intestinal mucins control the gut microbiota as well as disease phenotypes remains nebulous. Herein, we report that N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-6-O-sulfation of O-glycans on intestinal mucins performs a protective role against obesity and intestinal inflammation. Chst4–/– mice, lacking GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation of the mucin O-glycans, showed significant weight gain and increased susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis as well as colitis-associated cancer accompanied by significantly reduced immunoglobulin A (IgA) production caused by an impaired T follicular helper cell–mediated IgA response. Interestingly, the protective effects of GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation against obesity and intestinal inflammation depend on the gut microbiota, evidenced by the modulation of the gut microbiota by cohousing or microbiota transplantation reversing disease phenotypes and IgA production. Collectively, our findings provide insight into the significance of host glycosylation, more specifically GlcNAc-6-O-sulfation on intestinal mucins, in protecting against obesity and intestinal inflammation via regulation of the gut microbiota.
Hirohito Abo, Aoi Muraki, Akihito Harusato, Tetsuya Imura, Maki Suzuki, Kohta Takahashi, Timothy L. Denning, Hiroto Kawashima
Usage data is cumulative from November 2023 through November 2024.
Usage | JCI | PMC |
---|---|---|
Text version | 1,156 | 641 |
208 | 158 | |
Figure | 387 | 18 |
Supplemental data | 91 | 23 |
Citation downloads | 56 | 0 |
Totals | 1,898 | 840 |
Total Views | 2,738 |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.