Paneth Cells in Intestinal Homeostasis and Tissue Injury

The study explored the role of label-retaining cells (LRCs) in the intestine, particularly their relationship with Paneth cells and stem cell niches. It was found that LRCs, which reside in the crypt of Lieberkühn for up to 100 days, do not express markers of proliferation or differentiation into enterocytes, goblet, or enteroendocrine cells, but do express Paneth cell markers. During normal conditions, these LR/Paneth cells supported Lgr5(+) stem cells. However, in response to tissue injury, they transitioned to a proliferative state, activating Bmi1 expression and silencing Paneth-specific genes, suggesting their involvement in tissue regeneration following damage such as chronic inflammation.