Paneth Cell-Rich Regions Separated by a Cluster of Lgr5+ Cells Initiate Crypt Fission in the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002491
• Publication Date: 2016-06-27T17:39:57Z
• Authors: Alistair J. Langl...; Axel A. Almet; Paul L. Appleton; Ian P. Newton; James M. Osborne; Inke S. Näthke
• Keywords: Paneth cell; LGR5; Intestinal mucosa

The crypts of the intestinal epithelium house stem cells that ensure continual renewal epithelial line tract. Crypt number increases by a process called crypt fission, division single into two daughter crypts. Fission drives normal tissue growth and maintenance. Correspondingly, it becomes less frequent in adulthood. Importantly, fission is reactivated to drive adenoma growth. mechanisms governing are poorly understood. However, only knowing how operates can cancer-associated changes be elucidated. We studied three dimensions using high-resolution imaging used organoids identify underlying mechanisms. discovered both relative position Paneth Lgr5+ important for fission. Furthermore, higher stiffness increased adhesion involved determining site Formation cluster between at least Paneth-cell-rich domains establishes upward invagination initiates