RSPO2 (R-spondin 2) is a secreted protein that plays a crucial role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a pathway essential for embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance. RSPO2 is highly conserved across species and is known for its ability to potentiate Wnt signaling by interacting with LGR5 and LGR4 receptors.
RSPO2 also plays a role in intestinal organoid cultures. It has been shown to support the growth and differentiation of intestinal stem cells by enhancing Wnt signaling. This is particularly important for maintaining the long-term stability and functionality of intestinal organoids, which are used to study gastrointestinal diseases and develop personalized therapies. In lung organoid cultures, RSPO2 has been shown to enhance the colony-forming efficiency of club cells, a type of progenitor cell in the lung. RSPO2 activates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is crucial for the maintenance and expansion of these cells.