Colon stroma mediates an inflammation-driven fibroblastic response controlling matrix remodeling and healing

PLoS Biol. 2022 Jan 27;20(1):e3001532. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001532. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is often associated with the development of tissue fibrosis, but how mesenchymal cell responses dictate pathological fibrosis versus resolution and healing remains unclear. Defining stromal heterogeneity and identifying molecular circuits driving extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling stands to illuminate the relationship between inflammation, fibrosis, and healing. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of colon-derived stromal cells and identified distinct classes of fibroblasts with gene signatures that are differentially regulated by chronic inflammation, including IL-11-producing inflammatory fibroblasts. We further identify a transcriptional program associated with trans-differentiation of mucosa-associated fibroblasts and define a functional gene signature associated with matrix deposition and remodeling in the inflamed colon. Our analysis supports a critical role for the metalloprotease Adamdec1 at the interface between tissue remodeling and healing during colitis, demonstrating its requirement for colon epithelial integrity. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how inflammation perturbs stromal cell behaviors to drive fibroblastic responses controlling mucosal matrix remodeling and healing.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / deficiency
  • ADAM Proteins / genetics
  • ADAM Proteins / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Colitis / chemically induced
  • Colitis / genetics
  • Colitis / immunology*
  • Colitis / pathology
  • Colon / immunology
  • Colon / pathology
  • Extracellular Matrix / immunology
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / immunology*
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Fibrosis
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-11 / genetics
  • Interleukin-11 / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Single-Cell Analysis
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / administration & dosage
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transcriptome
  • Wound Healing / genetics
  • Wound Healing / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-11
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
  • ADAM Proteins
  • Adamdec1 protein, mouse