c-Myb is required for progenitor cell homeostasis in colonic crypts

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Mar 6;104(10):3829-34. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0610055104. Epub 2007 Feb 26.

Abstract

The colonic crypt is the functional unit of the colon mucosa with a central role in ion and water reabsorption. Under steady-state conditions, the distal colonic crypt harbors a single stem cell at its base that gives rise to highly proliferative progenitor cells that differentiate into columnar, goblet, and endocrine cells. The role of c-Myb in crypt homeostasis has not been elucidated. Here we have studied three genetically distinct hypomorphic c-myb mutant mouse strains, all of which show reduced colonic crypt size. The mutations target the key domains of the transcription factor: the DNA binding, transactivation, and negative regulatory domains. In vivo proliferation and cell cycle marker studies suggest that these mice have a progenitor cell proliferation defect mediated in part by reduced Cyclin E1 expression. To independently assess the extent to which c-myb is required for colonic crypt homeostasis we also generated a novel tissue-specific mouse model to allow the deletion of c-myb in adult colon, and using these mice we show that c-Myb is required for crypt integrity, normal differentiation, and steady-state proliferation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colon / metabolism*
  • Cyclin E / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb / physiology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcriptional Activation

Substances

  • CCNE1 protein, human
  • Cyclin E
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb
  • Transcription Factors