Kelley Yan Identifies FGFBP1 Cells That Regenerate Intestinal Stem Cells Independently of LGR5

Kelley Yan's team found that blocking R-spondin completely eliminates LGR5-positive cells in the intestinal epithelium, yet the epithelium keeps regenerating, pointing to an LGR5-independent regenerative source. Single-cell RNA sequencing in R-spondin-inhibited models identified a proliferative population marked by FGFBP1 that sits upstream of LGR5 CBC cells and periodically regenerates them every 1-2 weeks from the upper crypt. The group is now testing whether FGFBP1-positive cells also maintain homeostasis and regeneration in the stomach and other glandular epithelia.