Epithelial tension controls intestinal cell extrusion

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Daniel Krueger (University Medical Center Utrecht, Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen (KNAW))

Willem Kasper Spoelstra (AMOLF Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics)

Dirk Jan Mastebroek (Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, University Medical Center Utrecht)

Rutger N.U. Kok (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, AMOLF Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics)

Shanie Wu (University Medical Center Utrecht, Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen (KNAW))

Mike Nikolaev (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Marie Bannier-Hélaouët (University Medical Center Utrecht)

Nikolche Gjorevski (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Sander J. Tans (AMOLF Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, TU Delft - BN/Sander Tans Lab)

undefined More Authors (External organisation)

Research Group
BN/Sander Tans Lab
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adr8753
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
BN/Sander Tans Lab
Issue number
6764
Volume number
389
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

Cell extrusion is essential for homeostatic self-renewal of the intestinal epithelium. extrusion is thought to be triggered by crowding-induced compression of cells at the intestinal villus tip. In this study, we found instead that a local “tug-of-war” competition between contractile cells regulated extrusion in the intestinal epithelium. We combined quantitative live microscopy, optogenetic induction of tissue tension, genetic perturbation of myosin II activity, and local disruption of the basal cortex in mouse intestines and intestinal organoids. these approaches revealed that a dynamic actomyosin network generates tension throughout the intestinal villi, including the villus tip region. mechanically weak cells unable to maintain this tension underwent extrusion. thus, epithelial barrier integrity depends on intercellular mechanics.

Files

Science.adr8753.pdf
(pdf | 9.35 Mb)
- Embargo expired in 12-12-2025
License info not available