Cell Adhesion Molecule CD166/ALCAM Functions Within the Crypt to Orchestrate Murine Intestinal Stem Cell Homeostasis

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: ISCs and adjacent Paneth cells within the crypt base, supporting the hypothesis that CD166 functions to mediate ISC maintenance and signal coordination. METHODS: mouse combined with immunohistochemical, flow cytometry, gene expression, and enteroid culture. RESULTS: Paneth cells expressed reduced Wnt3 ligand expression and depleted nuclear β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a function for CD166 as an important cell adhesion molecule that shapes the signaling microenvironment by mediating ISC-niche cell interactions. Furthermore, loss of CD166 expression results in decreased ISC and Paneth cell homeostasis and an altered Wnt microenvironment.