Stromal BMP signaling regulates mucin production in the large intestine via interleukin-1/17

Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling is critical for intestinal development, homeostasis, and function performance. Although the function of BMP signaling in the intestinal epithelium is well appreciated, the direct effect of BMP on intestinal stromal cells is poorly understood. Here, we show that disruption of BMP signaling by genetic ablation of Alk3 or Smad4 expands the stromal cell pool, the mucosa tumefaction, and colonic polyposis in the large intestine. Interleukin (IL) secretion by stromal cells is notably increased, including IL-1, IL-11, and IL-17. Specifically, IL-1 and IL-17a hyperactivate the mucin production by goblet cells through nuclear factor κB signaling, and abnormal mucin accumulation results in the morphological changes, epithelial barrier destruction, and polyposis development. Together, our results provide an insight into the role of BMP signaling in intestinal stromal cells to regulate epithelium function. This study further highlights the role of mucin-producing goblet cells in intestinal homeostasis and colitis development.