Fig. 4

RSPO3 expands Lgr5+ stem cells in the DM state. a RT-qPCR revealed that Lgr5 in the db/db-NS mice showed higher expression than that in the db/+-NS mice, and the high Lgr5 expression was decreased after si-Rspo3 administration. b, c Western blot analysis showed that the Lgr5 protein levels were upregulated and downregulated in the si-Rspo3-treated db/db mice. d, e Immunohistochemistry showed that Lgr5 expression was predominantly localized in the crypts of IECs and that Lgr5+ stem cell zones were expanded in the db/db-NS mice. After si-Rspo3 administration in the db/db-NS mice, high Lgr5 expression was inhibited, and the expansion of the Lgr5+ stem cell zone was reduced. Scale bar, 50 μm; mean ± SD, n = 6; *P < 0.05 vs db/+-NS; ^#P < 0.05 vs db/db-NS