Epithelial genetic muscarinic receptor 3 ablation induces sex-specific modulation of colonic intestinal progenitor cells and response to intestinal injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Epithelial muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 3 (M3R) signaling modulates intestinal stem and progenitor cell function, yet its impact on colonic homeostasis remains unclear. Hence, this study explores the sex-specific effects of epithelial genetic M3R ablation and muscarinic receptor agonism on murine colonic Lgr5-EGFP+ progenitor cells and epithelial homeostasis.

Methods

Genetic ablation of M3R was achieved using Vil-Cre × M3R fl/fl mice. The effects on Lgr5-expressing progenitor cells, epithelial homeostasis, and response to intestinal injury were assessed, with attention to sex-specific differences. Effects of cholinergic and muscarinic agonism on epithelial cell homeostasis were evaluated employing murine and human colonoids.

Results

Gene

SUBMITTER: Ragab M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12138776 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature