Ketone Body Signaling Mediates Intestinal Stem Cell Homeostasis and Adaptation to Diet

Cell. 2019 Aug 22;178(5):1115-1131.e15. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.048.

Abstract

Little is known about how metabolites couple tissue-specific stem cell function with physiology. Here we show that, in the mammalian small intestine, the expression of Hmgcs2 (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthetase 2), the gene encoding the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of ketone bodies, including beta-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), distinguishes self-renewing Lgr5+ stem cells (ISCs) from differentiated cell types. Hmgcs2 loss depletes βOHB levels in Lgr5+ ISCs and skews their differentiation toward secretory cell fates, which can be rescued by exogenous βOHB and class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor treatment. Mechanistically, βOHB acts by inhibiting HDACs to reinforce Notch signaling, instructing ISC self-renewal and lineage decisions. Notably, although a high-fat ketogenic diet elevates ISC function and post-injury regeneration through βOHB-mediated Notch signaling, a glucose-supplemented diet has the opposite effects. These findings reveal how control of βOHB-activated signaling in ISCs by diet helps to fine-tune stem cell adaptation in homeostasis and injury.

Keywords: HDAC; Hmgcs2; Intestinal stem cell; Notch; beta-hydroxybutyrate; ketogenic diet; ketone bodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / blood
  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / pharmacology
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Self Renewal
  • Diet, High-Fat*
  • Female
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Synthase / deficiency
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Synthase / genetics
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Synthase / metabolism
  • Intestines / cytology
  • Intestines / pathology
  • Ketone Bodies / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Ketone Bodies
  • Lgr5 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Notch
  • HMGCS2 protein, mouse
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Synthase
  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid