Pregnancy induces intestinal epithelial elongation and estriol-associated activation of the Hippo signaling pathway in a mouse model.

ABSTRACT: During pregnancy and weaning, the intestinal tract undergoes adaptations on different levels, including altered immune cell frequencies and epithelial changes. We could show in a mouse model that the overall area (crypt-villus axis length and total length) of the small intestine increased during this period of higher maternal nutrient need and that the increased area correlated with maternal weight. Quantification of cell proliferation and cell death showed an increased proliferation of epithelial cells in the lower and middle crypt. In cell culture, estriol maintained epithelial cell proliferation and progesterone-inhibited proliferation. Further, Hippo signaling is a well-known pro-proliferative pathway which integrates several upstream signals and ultimately leads to nuclear translocati

SUBMITTER: Gangler NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12420524 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature