ena-STUDY-UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO-07-09-2017-20:22:13:766-567
The NLR protein NLRP6 does not impact gut microbiota composition
NLRP6 is a Nod-like receptor expressed in the intestinal epithelium. Previous studies reported a protective role for NLRP6 against intestinal injury and colitis-associated carcinogenesis via regulation and establishment of a "healthy" microbiota. However, none of these results were obtained using littermate animals, leaving the possibility that the pro-colitogenic microbiota phenotype associated with knockout mice was stochastically acquired and genotype-independent. Here, we analyzed the microbiota at three intestinal locations from Nlrp6-/- and wild type (WT) littermates, either co- caged or individually caged after weaning. Our results demonstrate that Nlrp6 does not significantly impact intestinal microbiota at homeostasis, and confirm a previously reported sex-biased microbial community structure. Moreover, WT and Nlrp6-/- littermate mice displayed comparable sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis, although we noted a moderately increased sensitivity of knockout female mice. Our results clarify the role of NLRP6 in microbiota and colitis control, and highlight the importance of analyzing littermate animals in such studies.
NLRP6 is a Nod-like receptor expressed in the intestinal epithelium. Previous studies reported a protective role for NLRP6 against intestinal injury and colitis-associated carcinogenesis via regulation and establishment of a "healthy" microbiota. However, none of these results were obtained using littermate animals, leaving the possibility that the pro-colitogenic microbiota phenotype associated with knockout mice was stochastically acquired and genotype-independent. Here, we analyzed the microbiota at three intestinal locations from Nlrp6-/- and wild type (WT) littermates, either co- caged or individually caged after weaning. Our results demonstrate that Nlrp6 does not significantly impact intestinal microbiota at homeostasis, and confirm a previously reported sex-biased microbial community structure. Moreover, WT and Nlrp6-/- littermate mice displayed comparable sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis, although we noted a moderately increased sensitivity of knockout female mice. Our results clarify the role of NLRP6 in microbiota and colitis control, and highlight the importance of analyzing littermate animals in such studies.