YAP/TAZ-Dependent Reprogramming of Colonic Epithelium Links ECM Remodeling to Tissue Regeneration

Shiro Yui, Luca Azzolin, Martti Maimets, Marianne Terndrup Pedersen, Robert P. Fordham, Stine L. Hansen, Hjalte L. Larsen, Jordi Guiu, Mariana R.P. Alves, Carsten F. Rundsten, Jens V. Johansen, Yuan Li, Chris D. Madsen, Tetsuya Nakamura, Mamoru Watanabe, Ole H. Nielsen, Pawel J. Schweiger, Stefano Piccolo*, Kim B. Jensen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Tissue regeneration requires dynamic cellular adaptation to the wound environment. It is currently unclear how this is orchestrated at the cellular level and how cell fate is affected by severe tissue damage. Here we dissect cell fate transitions during colonic regeneration in a mouse dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model, and we demonstrate that the epithelium is transiently reprogrammed into a primitive state. This is characterized by de novo expression of fetal markers as well as suppression of markers for adult stem and differentiated cells. The fate change is orchestrated by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM), increased FAK/Src signaling, and ultimately YAP/TAZ activation. In a defined cell culture system recapitulating the extracellular matrix remodeling observed in vivo, we show that a collagen 3D matrix supplemented with Wnt ligands is sufficient to sustain endogenous YAP/TAZ and induce conversion of cell fate. This provides a simple model for tissue regeneration, implicating cellular reprogramming as an essential element. The mechanism that governs tissue regeneration following severe damage to the colonic epithelium remains poorly understood. Jensen and colleagues show that the colonic epithelium undergoes a profound reprogramming into a more primitive state with fetal-like properties. Moreover, they demonstrate that YAP and TAZ operate as essential mechano-sensors during tissue reprogramming.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCell Stem Cell
Volume22
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)35-49. e7
Number of pages23
ISSN1934-5909
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Intestinal stem cells
  • Mechano-sensing
  • Regeneration
  • Reprogramming
  • YAP/TAZ

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