Wnt5a Potentiates TGF-β Signaling to Promote Colonic Crypt Regeneration After Tissue Injury.

The article discusses the role of the noncanonical Wnt ligand Wnt5a in the regeneration of stem cell-containing colonic epithelial crypts of Lieberkühn in the wound repair and restoration of homeostasis following intestinal injury. Particular focus is given to the activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling by Wnt5a. The researchers found that Wnt5a inhibited the proliferation of colonic intestinal epithelial stem cells and that crypts were generated from existing crypts near the wound.