Lactobacillus gasseri SF1183 affects intestinal epithelial cell survival and growth
Authors: Loredana Baccigalupi
Ezio Ricca
Elvira Crescenzi
Nicola Manzo
Viola Calabr√≤
Blanda Di Luccia
Alessandra Pollice
Journal: PLoS ONE (2013)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: intestinal microbiota; gut physiology; gut flora; commensal bacteria; Lactobacillus gasseri
Affiliations: Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II-MSA-Via Cinthia, Naples, Italy.

Abstract:  It is now commonly accepted that the intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the gut physiology and homeostasis, and that both qualitative and quantitative alterations in the compositions of the gut flora exert profound effects on the host's intestinal cells. In spite of this, the details of the interaction between commensal bacteria and intestinal cells are still largely unknown and only in few cases the molecular mechanisms have been elucidated. Here we analyze the effects of molecules produced and secreted by Lactobacillus gasseri SF1183 on human intestinal HCT116 cells. L. gasseri is a well known species of lactic acid bacteria, commonly associated to the human intestine and SF1183 is a human strain previously isolated from an ileal biopsy of an healthy volunteer. SF1183 produces and secretes, in a growth phase-dependent way, molecule(s) able to drastically interfere with HCT116 cell proliferation. Although several attempts to purify and identify the bioactive molecule(s) have been so far unsuccessful, a partial characterization has indicated that it is smaller than 3 kDa, thermostable and of proteinaceous nature. L. gasseri molecule(s) stimulate a G1-phase arrest of the cell cycle by up-regulation of p21WAF1 rendering cells protected from intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. A L. gasseri-mediated reduction of apoptosis and of cell proliferation could be relevant in protecting epithelial barrier integrity and helping in reconstituting tissutal homeostasis. 

Retracted: Yes

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 2020 retraction. https: journals.plos.org plosone article?id=10.1371 journal.pone.0230791 Following the publication of this article [1], concerns were raised regarding Figs 2, 4, and 5: Fig 2A, u03b2-actin panel: the bands in lanes 3 and 4 appear similar to the bands in lanes 8 and 9 respectively. Figs 2B and 2D, u03b2-actin panels: the bands in lanes 2u20138 of Fig 2B are identical to the bands in lanes 1u20137 of Fig 2D. The authors explained that this was the result of incorrect panel placement during the preparation of the figure and that the u03b2-actin panel in Fig 2D is incorrect. Figs 2B and 2D, u03b2-actin panels: an irregular signal was detected between the bands in lanes 5 and 6 of Fig 2B, as well as between the bands in lane 4 and 5 of Fig 2D. The authors explained that this was the result of incorrect panel placement during the preparation of the figure. Fig 4B, Erks u00bd panel: the bands in lanes 1, 3, and 4 appear similar. The authors stand by the western blot data reported in the figure as accurate. Fig 5B, p21 panel: there appears to be a vertical irregularity in the background between lanes 3 and 4 suggestive of gel splicing. The authors explained that the discontinuations might be the result of imperfections in the image. The original data for the figures of concern are no longer available. Replication data have been provided in support of the results presented in these panels; however, these data did not resolve the concerns about western blot data reporting in the original figures. In light of the concerns affecting multiple figure panels that question the integrity of these data, the PLOS ONE Editors retract this article. EC agreed with the retraction. BDL, NM, LB, VC, ER, and AP did not agree with the retraction and stand behind the published results. Reference 1.Di Luccia B, Manzo N, Baccigalupi L, Calabru00f2 V, Crescenzi E, Ricca E, et al. (2013) Lactobacillus gasseri SF1183 Affects Intestinal Epithelial Cell Survival and Growth. PLoS ONE 8(7): e69102. https: doi.org 10.1371 journal.pone.0069102 ,