Figure 7. Stem cell hyperproliferation is associated with epithelial induction of WNT-related signals.

(a) Representative pictures of in situ hybridization for WNT-target gene Axin2 mRNA in jejunal sections at d₂ including detailed images in higher magnification (red arrows indicate zones of Axin2 expression) (b) Correlation analysis (Pearson) of Axin2 and Hsp60 mRNA expression levels in IEC isolated from the crypt of Hsp60^Δ/ΔIEC (upper graph) and Chop^−/− Hsp60^Δ/ΔIEC (lower graph) mice (N=6). P values indicate one-sided significance. (c) qRT–PCR analysis of WNT ligands including the WNT enhancer Rspo1 in IEC isolated from the crypt bottom of Hsp60^Δ/ΔIEC mice (N=6) versus Hsp60^flox/flox control mice (N=5). Statistical analyses were performed using unpaired t-tests. (d) Correlation analysis (Pearson) of significantly regulated WNT factors with Hsp60 levels in Hsp60^Δ/ΔIEC mice (N=6). P values indicate one-sided significance. Asterisks indicate significant differences *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001; NS, not significant; ND, not detectable.