A novel role for the extracellular matrix glycoprotein-Tenascin-X in gastric function

Key points: Tenascin X (TNX) functions in the extracellular matrix of skin and joints where it maintains correct intercellular connections and tissue architecture TNX is associated exclusively with vagal-afferent endings and some myenteric neurones in mouse and human stomach, respectively. TNX-deficient mice have accelerated gastric emptying and hypersensitivity of gastric vagal mechanoreceptors that can be normalized by an inhibitor of vagal-afferent sensitivity. Cultured nodose ganglion neurones showed no changes in response to capsaicin, cholecystokinin and potassium chloride in TNX-deficient mice. TNX-deficient patients have upper gastric dysfunction consistent with those in a mouse model. Our translational studies suggest that abnormal gastric sensory function may explain the upper gut symptoms present in TNX deficient patients, thus making it important to study gastric physiology. TNX deficiency should be evaluated routinely in patients with connective tissue abnormalities, which will enable a better understanding of its role and allow targeted treatment. For example, inhibitors of vagal afferents-baclofen could be beneficial in patients. These hypotheses need confirmation via targeted clinical trials.

Abstract: Tenascin-X (TNX) is a glycoprotein that regulates tissue structure via anti-adhesive interactions with collagen in the extracellular matrix. TNX deficiency causes a phenotype similar to hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involving joint hypermobility, skin hyperelasticity, pain and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Previously, we have shown that TNX is required for neural control of the bowel by a specific subtype of mainly cholinergic enteric neurones and regulates sprouting and sensitivity of nociceptive sensory endings in mouse colon. These findings correlate with symptoms shown by TNX-deficient patients and mice. We aimed to identify whether TNX is similarly present in neural structures found in mouse and human gastric tissue. We then determined whether TNX has a functional role, specifically in gastric motor and sensory function and nodose ganglia neurones. We report that TNX was present in calretinin-immunoreactive extrinsic nerve endings in mouse and human stomach. TNX deficient mice had accelerated gastric emptying and markedly increased vagal afferent responses to gastric distension that could be rescued with GABA_B receptor agonist. There were no changes in nodose ganglia excitability in TNX deficient mice, suggesting that vagal afferent responses are probably the result of altered peripheral mechanosensitivity. In TNXB-deficient patients, significantly greater symptoms of reflux, indigestion and abdominal pain were reported. In the present study, we report the first role for TNX in gastric function. Further studies are required in TNX deficient patients to determine whether symptoms can be relieved using GABA_B agonists.