Lgr5⁺ cells rebuild colon

Researchers tested whether one adult mouse colon stem cell could rebuild the gut’s protective lining after injury. They grew organoids, small three-dimensional cultures, from one Lgr5-positive stem cell, a cell type that renews the colon lining, and delivered its cells by enema to mice with DSS colitis, chemically induced colon inflammation. In 4 of 6 mice, donor cells covered epithelial defects, areas stripped of surface lining. Four weeks later, they had organized into crypts, tube-like units that renew the colon, with mature colon cell types. Blood TRITC-dextran, a dye that enters the blood through a leaky gut barrier, matched controls, supporting restored barrier function. Descendants of one cell remained engrafted for more than 6 months.