Chronic stress promotes intestinal stem cell aging [RNA-seq]

To elucidate alterations in intestinal cell types under chronic stress, we conducted scRNA-seq analysis of intestinal crypts from NT and ES models. After that, we found that significant changes in ISCs in the ES group compared to the NT group. To validate the functional roles of ISCs, we performed RNA-seq of ISCs under different treatment conditions, we identified Chrm3-dependent differential genes between NT and ES groups, particularly noting downregulated genes associated with stemness and proliferation (e.g., Olfm4, Lgr5, and Mcm4), and upregulated genes linked to aging and calcium signaling pathways (e.g., Cdkn1a, Orai1, and Chp2), which contribute to ISC aging. These findings provided mechanistic insights into targeting these pathways to enhance intestinal function and integrity. Furthermore, to assess the impact of stress-induced changes in microbiota composition on ISC stemness, we synchronized microbiota between NT and ES groups through co-housing conditions and employed 16S rDNA sequencing. This analysis aimed to ascertain the possibility that changes in the microbiota composition whether contribute to the decline in ISC stemness under stress conditions. scRNA-seq of crypts were used to to characterize the diversity of cell lines under chronic stress. RNA-seq of ISC in Chrm3Lgr5+/+ and Chrm3Lgr5-/- mice from NT and ES mice were taken to delineate altered pathways and the mechanisms underlying ISC changes in ES model. 16S rDNA-seq were employed to confirm microbiota synchronization between NT and ES groups under co-housing conditions.