Map3k2-Regulated Intestinal Stromal Cells (MRISC) Define a Distinct Sub-cryptic Stem Cell Niche for Damage Induced Wnt Agonist R-spondin1 Production

Abstract

Highlights 1) Map3k2 protects mice from DSS-induced colitis by promoting intestinal stem cell regeneration.2) Map3k2-MAPK pathway cross-talks with Wnt signaling pathway via upregulation of R-spondin1.3) Map3k2-Regulated Intestinal Stromal Cells (MRISC) marked by co-expression of CD90, CD34 and CD81 defines a novel colonic stem cell niche.3 SummaryIntestinal stem cell propagation and differentiation are essential for rapid repair of tissue damage in the gut. While intestinal stromal cells were recently identified as key mediators of this process, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this diverse population induces tissue repair remains poorly understood. Here we show that Map3k2 has a colon stromal cell specific function critically required for maintenance of Lgr5 + intestinal stem cells and protection against acute intestinal damage. This Map3k2-specific function is mediated by enhancing Wnt agonist R-spondin1 production. We further reveal a unique novel cell population, named Map3k2-regulated intestinal stromal cells (MRISC), as the primary cellular source of R-spondin1 following intestinal injury. Together, our data identify a novel intestinal stem cell niche organized by MRISC, which specifically dependent on the Map3k2-signaling pathway to augment the production of Wnt agonist R-spondin1 and promote regeneration of the acutely damaged intestine.

Use of Single-Cell -Omic Technologies to Study the Gastrointestinal Tract and Diseases, From Single Cell Identities to Patient Features

“…78,79 In a basic science setting, scRNA-seq has been used for finding new populations of endocrine 80,81 and tuft cells 75,82 in the gut epithelium, as well as immune 83 and stromal cells. 84 Because scRNA-seq is an end-point assay where insights are derived from a snapshot in time when tissue is collected, it can applied to a range of specimens, from model organisms to human tissues. 85 scRNA-seq forms the basis of the next stepping stone toward precision medicine, akin to prior efforts, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.…”