Notch signalling regulates asymmetric division and inter-conversion between lgr5 and bmi1 expressing intestinal stem cells

Sci Rep. 2016 May 16:6:26069. doi: 10.1038/srep26069.

Abstract

Rapidly cycling LGR5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of crypts are the primary driver of regeneration. Additionally, BMI1 expression is correlated with a slow cycling pool of ISCs located at +4 position. While previous reports have shown interconversion between these two populations following tissue injury, we provide evidence that NOTCH signaling regulates the balance between these two populations and promotes asymmetric division as a mechanism for interconversion in the mouse intestine. In both in vitro and in vivo models, NOTCH suppression reduces the ratio of BMI1+/LGR5+ ISCs while NOTCH stimulation increases this ratio. Furthermore, NOTCH signaling can activate asymmetric division after intestinal inflammation. Overall, these data provide insights into ISC plasticity, demonstrating a direct interconversion mechanism between slow- and fast-cycling ISCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Plasticity
  • Cell Transdifferentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Intestines / cytology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, 129 Strain
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism*
  • Regeneration
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Bmi1 protein, mouse
  • Lgr5 protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1