Lymphatics constitute a novel component of the intestinal stem cell niche

Abstract

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) depend on niche factors for their proper function. However, the source of these ISC niche factors and how they support ISCs remain controversial due to their redundant expression patterns. Here, we report that the maintenance of ISCs depends on both lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and Rspo3+Grem1+ fibroblasts (RGFs). We found that LECs are surrounded by RGFs and located in close proximity to Lgr5+ ISCs. RSPO3 production is restricted to LECs and RGFs and they can partially compensate for each other; however, RSPO3 loss in both of LECs and RGFs drastically compromises ISC numbers, villi length, and repair after irradiation-induced injury. Mechanistically, irradiation-induced damage expands LEC and RGF numbers and enhances the latters generation of RSPO3 through IL-1 receptor activation. We propose that LECs represent a novel component of the ISC niche, which together with RGFs, provide essential RSPO3 to sustain ISCs in homeostasis and regeneration.