Figure 7.

Proposed model of impact of DIO on ISC number, function and crypt-villus homeostasis. We provide a model where intestinal adaptation to DIO increases the number of total and proliferating ISC associated with elevated plasma insulin and IGF1 and local Igf1 mRNA. The expansion in the ISC pool is associated with increases in the number of crypts feeding onto each villus resulting in heightened villi. DIO also decreases crypt-based Paneth cells and crypt and villus goblet cells that may favor a greater mass of villus enterocytes that may enhance absorptive capacity during hypercaloric conditions.