Lgr5 marks stem/progenitor cells contributing to epithelial and muscle development in the mouse esophagus.

ABSTRACT: The existence and function of Lgr5⁺ cells within the developing esophagus remains unknown. Here, we document multiple discrete Lgr5⁺ populations in the developing mouse esophagus, predominantly within nascent epithelial and external muscle layers. Lgr5 expression initially emerges in the developing proximal embryonic epithelium, but progressively extends distally and persists within the distal epithelium of neonates. Fate mapping and ablation analyses reveal a long-term contribution of epithelial Lgr5⁺ cells to esophageal organogenesis. Additionally, Lgr5-expressing cells are present in the developing external muscle layer, particularly during the development of the striated component. Fate mapping reveals a significant contribution of these embryonic Lgr5<

SUBMITTER: Kostic L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11335976 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature