Lgr5 marks stem/progenitor cells contributing to epithelial and muscle development in the mouse esophagus.

The existence and function of Lgr5 cells within the developing esophagus remains unknown. Here, we document multiple discrete Lgr5 populations in the developing mouse esophagus, predominantly within nascent epithelial and external muscle layers. Lgr5 expression initially emerges in the developing proximal embryonic epithelium, but progressively extends distally and persists within the distal epithelium of neonates.