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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
11:34
Induced Differentiation of M Cell-like Cells in Human Stem Cell-derived Ileal Enteroid Monolayers
Published on: July 26, 2019
Bone marrow-derived cells fuse with normal and transformed intestinal stem cells
Adnan Z Rizvi1, John R Swain, Paige S Davies
1Department of Surgery, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, and Oregon Cancer Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Summary
Transplanted bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) fuse with intestinal epithelial cells, contributing to regeneration and potentially influencing tumorigenesis. This study investigates BMDC fusion in the intestine, revealing their role in epithelial repair and tumor modulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can differentiate into non-hematopoietic lineages.
- Cell fusion is a proposed mechanism for BMDC integration in various tissues.
- BMDC contribution to intestinal epithelium via fusion remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fusion of transplanted BMDCs with normal and neoplastic intestinal epithelium.
- To determine if BMDCs contribute to intestinal epithelial cell lineages through fusion.
- To assess the role of BMDC fusion in intestinal regeneration and tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Transplantation of adult BMDCs into recipient mice.
- Analysis of donor-derived cell contribution to intestinal epithelial lineages.
- Evaluation of BMDC fusion with neoplastic intestinal epithelium.
Main Results:
- Transplanted BMDCs were found to fuse with both normal and neoplastic intestinal epithelial cells.
- Long-term repopulation by donor-derived cells occurred across all major intestinal epithelial lineages.
- Fusion of BMDCs with neoplastic epithelium did not initiate tumors.
Conclusions:
- BMDCs can fuse with intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting a role in intestinal regeneration.
- BMDC fusion may involve long-lived intestinal stem or progenitor cells.
- BMDC fusion with neoplastic epithelium does not appear to promote tumor initiation in the intestine.
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