Multilayered molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying intestinal epithelial regeneration

Abstract

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are replenished by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing in the intestinal crypts and isthmus. Under homeostatic conditions, Lgr5+ crypt base columnar cells (CBCs) are considered the primary ISCs1,2. The supply of IECs, however, remains continuous even in the absence of Lgr5+ CBCs3, implying the existence of alternative ISC populations. Over the past decade, two contrasting models have emerged to explain the identities of these compensatory cells. The distinct cell population model proposes that slow-cycling, quiescent cells near the +4 position, act as reserve stem cells (rISCs)3-10. The cellular plasticity model suggests a broad spectrum of IECs can dedifferentiate into intermediate fetal-like states, thereby acquiring stemness11,12. It is unclear which of these models is correct because the signaling mechanisms governing crypt regenerative responses remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling orchestrates intestinal regeneration following Lgr5+ CBC loss by uniquely driving the emergence of de novo Lgr5+ CBCs from non-Lgr5+ CBCs clones. This regenerative mechanism is fundamentally distinct from both classical self-renewal of existing Lgr5+ CBCs and fetal-like dedifferentiation in intestinal villi. By accelerating the cell cycle and driving clonal competition among stem cell pools, Hh signaling leaves rare dormant stem cells in the crypt and isthmus regions. These rare cells act as damage-resistant "seeds" that can promote damage recovery, thereby conferring damage resistance on the tissue as a whole. Collectively, our findings identify novel molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ISC regeneration and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for various intestinal epithelial diseases.