R-spondin 3 promotes stem cell recovery and epithelial regeneration in the colon.

ABSTRACT: The colonic epithelial turnover is driven by crypt-base stem cells that express the R-spondin receptor Lgr5. Signals that regulate epithelial regeneration upon stem cell injury are largely unknown. Here, we explore the dynamics of Wnt signaling in the colon. We identify two populations of cells with active Wnt signaling: highly proliferative Lgr5⁺/Axin2⁺ cells, as well as secretory Lgr5^-/Axin2⁺ cells. Upon Lgr5⁺ cell depletion, these cells are recruited to contribute to crypt regeneration. Chemical injury induced by DSS leads to a loss of both Lgr5⁺ cells and Axin2⁺ cells and epithelial regeneration is driven by Axin2^- cells, including differentiated Krt20⁺ surface enterocytes. Regeneration r

SUBMITTER: Harnack C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6761174 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature