Transit-amplifying cells control R-spondins in the mouse crypt to modulate intestinal stem cell proliferation.

Abstract

Intestinal epithelium regenerates rapidly through proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), orchestrated by potent mitogens secreted within the crypt niche. However, mechanisms regulating these mitogenic factors remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that transit-amplifying (TA) cells, marked by unconventional prefoldin RPB5 interactor (URI), control R-spondin production to guide ISC proliferation. Genetic intestinal URI ablation in mice injures TA cells, reducing their survival capacity, leading to an inflamed tissue and subsequently decreasing R-spondin levels, thereby causing ISC quiescence and disruption of intestinal structure. R-spondin supplementation or restoration of R-spondin levels via cell death inhibition by c-MYC elimination or the suppression of inflammation reinstates ISC proliferation in URI-depleted mice. However, selective c-MYC and p53 suppression are required to fully restore TA cell survival and differentiation capacity and preserve complete intestinal architecture. Our data reveal an unexpected role of TA cells, which represent a signaling platform instrumental for controlling inflammatory cues and R-spondin production, essential for maintaining ISC proliferation and tissue regeneration.