Organoid growth rate was significantly lower in NEC liver organoids compared to control liver organoids. mRNA expression of liver progenitor cells markers of LGR5 and SOX9 was lower in NEC liver organoids compared to control liver organoids.
Modulation of progenitor cell expressing LGR5 may result in stimulation of liver regeneration in NEC-induced liver injury and improved clinical outcome.
We have also shown that NEC is characterized by apoptosis of Lgr5-positive intestinal stem cells (ISCs-Lgr5 cells) within the crypts of Lieberkühn, which are subsequently essential for intestinal homeostasis.