Grape exosome-like nanoparticles induce intestinal stem cells and protect mice from DSS-induced colitis

Mol Ther. 2013 Jul;21(7):1345-57. doi: 10.1038/mt.2013.64. Epub 2013 Jun 11.

Abstract

Food-derived exosome-like nanoparticles pass through the intestinal tract throughout our lives, but little is known about their impact or function. Here, as a proof of concept, we show that the cells targeted by grape exosome-like nanoparticles (GELNs) are intestinal stem cells whose responses underlie the GELN-mediated intestinal tissue remodeling and protection against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. This finding is further supported by the fact that coculturing of crypt or sorted Lgr5⁺ stem cells with GELNs markedly improved organoid formation. GELN lipids play a role in induction of Lgr5⁺ stem cells, and the liposome-like nanoparticles (LLNs) assembled with lipids from GELNs are required for in vivo targeting of intestinal stem cells. Blocking β-catenin-mediated signaling pathways of GELN recipient cells attenuates the production of Lgr5⁺ stem cells. Thus, GELNs not only modulate intestinal tissue renewal processes, but can participate in the remodeling of it in response to pathological triggers.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colitis / chemically induced*
  • Colitis / prevention & control*
  • Dextran Sulfate / toxicity*
  • Intestines / cytology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Vitis / chemistry*

Substances

  • Dextran Sulfate