Fig. 5.

R-spondin is required for generation of differentiated taste cells in cultured taste organoids. Organoids were grown from dissociated cells from the circumvallate papilla region of Trpm5-GFP mice in the presence (Left) or absence (Right) of R-spondin (Rspo2). Trpm5⁺ cells and Car4⁺ cells are visible in organoids cultured in the presence of Rspo2 (Left). Not a single Trpm5⁺ or Car4⁺ cell was detected in organoids cultured in the absence of Rspo2 (Right). Experiments were repeated five times using either Trpm5-GFP or wild-type B6 mice. (Scale bar: 25 μm.)