Constitutive Musashi1 expression impairs mouse postnatal development and intestinal homeostasis

Mol Biol Cell. 2021 Jan 1;32(1):28-44. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E20-03-0206. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

Abstract

Evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein Musashi1 (Msi1) can regulate developmentally relevant genes. Here we report the generation and characterization of a mouse model that allows inducible Msi1 overexpression in a temporal and tissue-specific manner. We show that ubiquitous Msi1 induction in ∼5-wk-old mice delays overall growth, alters organ-to-body proportions, and causes premature death. Msi1-overexpressing mice had shortened intestines, diminished intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation, and decreased growth of small intestine villi and colon crypts. Although Lgr5-positive intestinal stem cell numbers remained constant in Msi1-overexpressing tissue, an observed reduction in Cdc20 expression provided a potential mechanism underlying the intestinal growth defects. We further demonstrated that Msi1 overexpression affects IEC differentiation in a region-specific manner, with ileum tissue being influenced the most. Ilea of mutant mice displayed increased expression of enterocyte markers, but reduced expression of the goblet cell marker Mucin2 and fewer Paneth cells. A higher hairy and enhancer of split 1:mouse atonal homolog 1 ratio in ilea from Msi1-overexpressing mice implicated Notch signaling in inducing enterocyte differentiation. Together, this work implicates Msi1 in mouse postnatal development of multiple organs, with Notch signaling alterations contributing to intestinal defects. This new mouse model will be a useful tool to further elucidate the role of Msi1 in other tissue settings.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cdc20 Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Growth and Development*
  • Homeostasis*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / growth & development*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microvilli / metabolism
  • Models, Animal
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Organ Specificity
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Serrate-Jagged Proteins / metabolism
  • Transgenes
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Cdc20 Proteins
  • Cdc20 protein, mouse
  • Lgr5 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Msi1h protein, mouse
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Numb protein, mouse
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Serrate-Jagged Proteins