Loss of enteric neuronal Ndrg4 promotes colorectal cancer via increased release of Nid1 and Fbln2

Nathalie Vaes, Simone L. Schonkeren, Glenn Rademakers, Amy M. Holland, Alexander Koch, Marion J. Gijbels, Tom G. Keulers, Meike de Wit, Laura Moonen, Jaleesa R. M. Van der Meer, Edith van den Boezem, Tim G. A. M. Wolfs, David W. Threadgill, Jeroen Demmers, Remond J. A. Fijneman, Connie R. Jimenez, Pieter Vanden Berghe, Kim M. Smits, Kasper M. A. Rouschop, Werend BoesmansRobert M. W. Hofstra, Veerle Melotte*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The N-Myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 4 (NDRG4), a prominent biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC), is specifically expressed by enteric neurons. Considering that nerves are important members of the tumor microenvironment, we here establish different Ndrg4 knockout (Ndrg4(-/-)) CRC models and an indirect co-culture of primary enteric nervous system (ENS) cells and intestinal organoids to identify whether the ENS, via NDRG4, affects intestinal tumorigenesis. Linking immunostainings and gastrointestinal motility (GI) assays, we show that the absence of Ndrg4 does not trigger any functional or morphological GI abnormalities. However, combining in vivo, in vitro, and quantitative proteomics data, we uncover that Ndrg4 knockdown is associated with enlarged intestinal adenoma development and that organoid growth is boosted by the Ndrg4(-/-) ENS cell secretome, which is enriched for Nidogen-1 (Nid1) and Fibulin-2 (Fbln2). Moreover, NID1 and FBLN2 are expressed in enteric neurons, enhance migration capacities of CRC cells, and are enriched in human CRC secretomes. Hence, we provide evidence that the ENS, via loss of Ndrg4, is involved in colorectal pathogenesis and that ENS-derived Nidogen-1 and Fibulin-2 enhance colorectal carcinogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere51913
Number of pages17
JournalEmbo Reports
Volume22
Issue number6
Early online date23 Apr 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • colorectal cancer
  • enteric nervous system
  • Fibulin&#8208
  • 2
  • Ndrg4
  • Nidogen&#8208
  • 1

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