Hugo Snippert: "Epidermal and intestinal stem cells: Molecular and cellular controls of self renewal"

Epidermal and intestinal stem cells: Molecular and cellular controls of self-renewal

Hugo J. Snippert1*, Andrea Haegebarth1*, Maria Kasper2, Viljar Jaks2, Johan H. van Es1, Nick Barker1, Marc van de Wetering1, Maaike van den Born1, Harry Begthel1, Robert G. Vries1, Daniel E. Stange1, Rune Toftgård2 and Hans Clevers1 1Hubrecht Institute – KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; 2Karolinska Institute, Center for Biosciences and Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden *Equal contribution h.snippert@hubrecht.eu

Molecular markers are used to characterize and track adult stem cells. Colon cancer research has led to the identification of 2 related receptors, leucine-rich repeat-containing, G-protein-coupled receptors (Lgr)5 and Lgr6, that are expressed by small populations of cells in a variety of adult organs. Genetic mouse models have allowed the visualization, isolation, and genetic marking of Lgr5(+ve) and Lgr6(+ve) cells and provided evidence that they are stem cells. The Lgr5(+ve) cells were found to occupy locations not commonly associated with stem cells in the stomach, small intestine, colon, and hair follicles. A multipotent population of skin stem cells express Lgr6. Single Lgr5(+ve) stem cells from the small intestine and the stomach can be cultured into long-lived organoids. Further studies with these stem cell marker genes will facilitate detailed studies of molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell maintenance and perhaps reveal adult stem cell populations in additional tissues as well.