The RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module controls liver zonation and size

Nat Cell Biol. 2016 May;18(5):467-79. doi: 10.1038/ncb3337. Epub 2016 Apr 18.

Abstract

LGR4/5 receptors and their cognate RSPO ligands potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signalling and promote proliferation and tissue homeostasis in epithelial stem cell compartments. In the liver, metabolic zonation requires a Wnt/β-catenin signalling gradient, but the instructive mechanism controlling its spatiotemporal regulation is not known. We have now identified the RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module as a master regulator of Wnt/β-catenin-mediated metabolic liver zonation. Liver-specific LGR4/5 loss of function (LOF) or RSPO blockade disrupted hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signalling and zonation. Conversely, pathway activation in ZNRF3/RNF43 LOF mice or with recombinant RSPO1 protein expanded the hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signalling gradient in a reversible and LGR4/5-dependent manner. Recombinant RSPO1 protein increased liver size and improved liver regeneration, whereas LGR4/5 LOF caused the opposite effects, resulting in hypoplastic livers. Furthermore, we show that LGR4(+) hepatocytes throughout the lobule contribute to liver homeostasis without zonal dominance. Taken together, our results indicate that the RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNRF3/RNF43 module controls metabolic liver zonation and is a hepatic growth/size rheostat during development, homeostasis and regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 / metabolism
  • Gene Deletion
  • Hepatocytes / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Liver / cytology*
  • Liver / growth & development
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Regeneration
  • Organ Size
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thrombospondins / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • LGR4 protein, mouse
  • Lgr5 protein, mouse
  • RSPO1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Thrombospondins
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1
  • RNF43 protein, mouse
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Znrf3 protein, mouse
  • beta-Galactosidase