Intestinal transgene delivery with native E. coli chassis allows persistent physiological changes.

Live bacterial therapeutics (LBTs) could reverse diseases by engrafting in the gut and providing persistent beneficial functions in the host. However, attempts to functionally manipulate the gut microbiome of conventionally raised (CR) hosts have been unsuccessful because engineered microbial organisms (i.e., chassis) have difficulty in colonizing the hostile luminal environment. In this proof-of-concept study, we use native bacteria as chassis for transgene delivery to impact CR host physiology. Native Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from the stool cultures of CR mice were modified to express functional genes. The reintroduction of these strains induces perpetual engraftment in the intestine. In addition, engineered native E. coli can induce functional changes that affect physiology of and reverse pathology in CR hosts months after administration. Thus, using native bacteria as chassis to "knock in" specific functions allows mechanistic studies of specific microbial activities in the microbiome of CR hosts and enables LBT with curative intent.

Circadian Rhythms in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease.

Circadian clock proteins are endogenous timing mechanisms that control the transcription of hundreds of genes. Their integral role in coordinating metabolism has led to their scrutiny in a number of diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Discoordination between central and peripheral circadian rhythms is a core feature of nearly every genetic, dietary, or environmental model of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. Restricting feeding to a defined daily interval (time-restricted feeding) can synchronize the central and peripheral circadian rhythms, which in turn can prevent or even treat the metabolic syndrome and hepatic steatosis. Importantly, a number of proteins currently under study as drug targets in NAFLD (sterol regulatory element-binding protein [SREBP], acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACC], peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors [PPARs], and incretins) are modulated by circadian proteins. Thus, the clock can be used to maximize the benefits and minimize the adverse effects of pharmaceutical agents for NAFLD. The circadian clock itself has the potential for use as a target for the treatment of NAFLD.

Correction: JMJD5 links CRY1 function and proteasomal degradation.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006145.].

JMJD5 links CRY1 function and proteasomal degradation.

The circadian oscillator is a molecular feedback circuit whose orchestration involves posttranslational control of the activity and protein levels of its components. Although controlled proteolysis of circadian proteins is critical for oscillator function, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Here, we report that JmjC domain-containing protein 5 (JMJD5) interacts with CRYPTOCHROME 1 (CRY1) in an F-box/leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (FBXL3)-dependent manner and facilitates targeting of CRY1 to the proteasome. Genetic deletion of JMJD5 results in greater CRY1 stability, reduced CRY1 association with the proteasome, and disruption of circadian gene expression. We also report that in the absence of JMJD5, AMP-regulated protein kinase (AMPK)-induced CRY1 degradation is impaired, establishing JMJD5 as a key player in this mechanism. JMJD5 cooperates with CRY1 to repress circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK)-brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1), thus linking CRY1 destabilization to repressive function. Finally, we find that ablation of JMJD5 impacts FBXL3- and CRY1-related functions beyond the oscillator.