Starvation Induces Phase-Specific Changes in the Proteome of Mouse Small Intestine

Abstract

Food deprivation results in metabolic, structural, and functional changes in the small intestine that influences gut mucosal integrity, epithelial cell proliferation, mucin synthesis, and other processes. The underlying mechanisms are still unclear, which lead to the study of molecular effects of shortterm and long-term starvation in the intestine of mice. A comparative proteomics approach, combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was used to identify intestinal proteins whose expression is changed under different starvation conditions (0, 12, 24, and 72 h). In total, the expression levels of 80 protein spots changed significantly between the different groups. The results demonstrate that after 12 h of starvation, mainly proteins involved in glycolysis and energy metabolism show decreased expression levels. Starvation for 24 h results in a down-regulation of proteins involved in protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Simultaneously, proteins with a protective role, e.g., reg I and II, glutathione peroxidase 3, and carbonic anhydrase 3, are clearly up-regulated. The last starvation phase (72 h) is characterized by increased ezrin expression, which may enhance villus morphogenesis critical for survival. Together, these results provide novel insights in the intestinal starvation response and may contribute to improved nutritional support during conditions characterized by malnutrition.Keywords: short-term food deprivation • long-term food deprivation • protein profiling • intestinal adaptation • lithostathine 1 and 2 (reg I and II) • ezrin expression

Proteomic analysis of the winter-protected phenotype of hibernating ground squirrel intestine

“…ALB has the ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce lipid peroxidation, and thus has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (7), which may contribute to the hibernation-induced protection of the mucosa after I/R (20). Elevated levels of intestinal ALB in hibernating ground squirrels may also be related to the absence of food intake during hibernation, as increased intestinal ALB has been observed during fasting in mice (21).…”

Impact of malnutrition on immunity and infection

“…The loss of subcutaneous fat, which markedly reduces bodily capacity to regulate temperature and also to store water, can also occur, provoking dehydration, hypothermia and hypoglycemia (19)(20)(21). Moreover, PEM is associated with atrophy of the small intestine that triggers the loss of both absorption and digestion capacity (22,23).…”

Comparative Proteomics Study Reveals That Bacterial CpG Motifs Induce Tumor Cell Autophagy in Vitro and in Vivo

“…These observations were further supported by the in vivo down-regulation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2, a key player involved in protein translation, as translation decreases toward an adaptative protein synthesis during autophagy (40). Interestingly eukaryotic elongation factor 2 was also found to be down-regulated in mouse small intestine after starvation, a process likely involving autophagy (41).…”