ScopeLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are recognized to promote gastrointestinal health by mechanisms that are not fully understood. LABs might modulate the mucus and thereby enhance intestinal barrier function. Herein, we investigate effects of different LAB strains and species on goblet cell genes involved in mucus synthesis.Methods and resultsGene expression profiles of goblet‐cell‐associated products (mucin MUC2, trefoil factor 3, resistin‐like molecule β, carbohydrate sulfotransferase 5, and galactose‐3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2) induced by LAB or their derived conditioned medium in human goblet cell line LS174T are studied. Effects of LAB on gene transcription are assessed with or without exposure to TNF‐α, IL‐13, or the mucus damaging agent tunicamycin. LAB do impact the related genes in a species‐ and strain‐specific fashion and their effects are different in the presence of the cytokines and tunicamycin. Bioactive factors secreted by some strains are also found to regulate goblet cell‐related genes.ConclusionOur findings provide novel insights in differences in modulatory efficacy on mucus genes between LAB species and strains. This study further unravels direct interactions between LAB and intestinal goblet cells, and highlights the importance of rationally selecting appropriate LAB candidates to achieve specific benefits in the gut.

Scope Mucus produced by goblet cells contributes to gut barrier function. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to impact mucus production. It is not completely known whether mucus production is influenced by the abundantly present fibroblasts in the intestine. Methods and results The influence of fibroblasts on mucus‐related genes including mucin‐2 (MUC2), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), resistin‐like molecule β (RETNLB), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 5 (CHST5), and galactose‐3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2 (GAL3ST2) is examined after co‐culture of LS174T‐goblet cells and CCD‐18Co colonic fibroblasts in the presence and absence of LAB‐strains known to impact mucus function. This is also tested after exposure to TNF‐α, IL‐13, or the mucin synthesis inhibitor tunicamycin (Tm). Effects of fibroblasts are treatment duration‐ and bacterial species‐dependent under homeostatic conditions. During TNF‐α challenge, fibroblasts reverse Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus CCFM237‐elicited declined TFF3 expression. After IL‐13 exposure, L. rhamnosus CCFM237 and L. fermentum CCFM787 attenuate enhanced TFF3 and RETNLB expression, respectively, only in the presence of fibroblasts. LAB has no effects on Tm‐induced decreased expression of goblet cell‐related genes regardless of the presence of fibroblasts. Conclusion It is demonstrated that goblet cell–fibroblast crosstalk impacts mucus synthesis and influences the effects of LAB on goblet cell‐related genes. Effects are LAB‐species and stressor dependent.

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