Multipotent stem cells expressing Lgr5 are known to generate all cell types of the intestinal epithelium (enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells and enteroendocrine cells). A new study shows that Paneth cells have an essential role for intestinal crypt and stem cell maintenance by supplying essential niche signals to the Lgr5-expressing cells.
- Toshiro Sato
- Johan H. van Es
- Hans Clevers