High resolution dynamic mapping of the C. elegans intestinal brush border

Abstract

The intestinal brush border is made of an array of microvilli that increases the membrane surface area for nutrient processing, absorption, and host defence. Studies on mammalian cultured epithelial cells uncovered some of the molecular players, structural components and physical constrains required to establish this apical specialized membrane. However, the building and maintenance of a brush border in vivo has not been investigated in detail yet. Here, we combined super-resolution imaging, transmission electron microscopy and genome editing in the developing nematode C. elegans to build a high-resolution and dynamic localization map of known and new markers of the brush border. Notably, we show that microvilli components are dynamically enriched at the apical membrane during microvilli outgrowth and maturation but become highly stable when microvilli are built. This new mapping tool will be instrumental to understand the molecular processes of microvilli growth and maintenance in vivo as well as the effect of genetic perturbations, notably in the context of disorders affecting the brush border integrity.

Understanding the factors regulating host–microbiome interactions using Caenorhabditis elegans

“…aeruginosa infection [95,96]. Super-resolution electron microscopy can be used to visualize the impact of C. elegans gut microbiota on the mucin-glycocalyx layer, and the integrity of underlying microvilli and brush border assembly [97,98]. In addition, in vivo molecular imaging of C. elegans mucin-type O-glycans can be implemented to understand how microbes drive the mucobiology of the C. elegans gut [99].…”