Visualization of a short-range Wnt gradient in the intestinal stem-cell niche

Homier F. Farin*, Ingrid Jordens, Mohammed H. Mosa, Onur Basak, Jeroen Korving, Daniele V. F. Tauriello, Karin de Punder, Stephane Angers, Peter Peters, Madelon M. Maurice, Hans Clevers*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Mammalian Wnt proteins are believed to act as short-range signals(1-4), yet have not been previously visualized in vivo. Selfrenewal, proliferation and differentiation are coordinated along a putative Wnt gradient in the intestinal crypt(5). Wnt3 is produced specifically by Paneth cells(6,7). Here we have generated an epitopetagged, functional Wnt3 knock-in allele. Wnt3 covers basolateral membranes of neighbouring stem cells. In intestinal organoids, Wnt3-transfer involves direct contact between Paneth cells and stem cells. Plasma membrane localization requires surface expression of Frizzled receptors, which in turn is regulated by the transmembrane E3 ligases Rnf43/Znrf3 and their antagonists Lgr4-5/R-spondin. By manipulating Wnt3 secretion and by arresting stem-cell proliferation, we demonstrate that Wnt3 mainly travels away from its source in a cell-bound manner through cell division, and not through diffusion. We conclude that stem-cell membranes constitute a reservoir for Wnt proteins, while Frizzled receptor turnover and ` plasma membrane dilution' through cell division shape the epithelial Wnt3 gradient.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)340–343
JournalNature
Volume530
Issue number7590
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Feb 2016

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