# Intestinal Morphogenesis and Differentiation

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $362,250

## Abstract

Abstract
The intestine has a simple repeating architecture that is essential for its function. Absorptive villi
are compartmentalized from the intestinal crypts, which house the progenitor cells and function
as the stem cell niche. Recent studies have made inroads into understanding how villi form
embryonically, but the cell biological mechanisms that drive the postnatal morphogenesis of
crypts are not known. We have performed morphometric and dynamic transcriptomic analysis of
crypt morphogenesis that has led to a framework for understanding this process. In this
proposal we focus on three key stages of crypt formation and function. First, we address how
the crypts become morphologically compartmentalized from the villi. Our preliminary data
demonstrate that this is essential for villar patterning and maximizes surface area for absorption.
Second, we analyze how crypts expand uniaxially along the crypt/villus axis in order to package
progenitor cells required for the rapid turnover of the gut. Finally, as cells exit the crypt, most
must become absorptive enterocytes. We will analyze functions of transcriptional regulators of
enterocytes that play important roles in cell fate and tissue architecture. Together, these studies
will establish how the intestinal stem cell niche forms and define roles for the stereotypical
architecture in stem cell function, cell fate decisions, and tissue function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10198916
- **Project number:** 5R01DK117981-04
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Terry H Lechler
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $362,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10198916

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10198916, Intestinal Morphogenesis and Differentiation (5R01DK117981-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10198916. Licensed CC0.

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