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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Establishment of an Extracellular Acidic pH Culture System
Published on: November 19, 2017
From gut homeostasis to cancer
Freddy Radtke1, Hans Clevers, Orbicia Riccio
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland. Freddy.Radtke@isrec.unil.ch
The intestine constantly renews itself, controlled by developmental pathways like Wnt and Notch. Deregulation of these pathways contributes to colorectal cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The intestinal epithelium exhibits rapid cell turnover, with complete renewal in under a week.
- This renewal is managed by stem cells differentiating into various cell types within specialized compartments.
- Developmental signaling pathways are increasingly recognized for their role in intestinal homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of key developmental pathways in intestinal differentiation and homeostasis.
- To explore how deregulation of these pathways contributes to colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on intestinal development and cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways including Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and Hedgehog.
Main Results:
- Developmental pathways critically regulate intestinal self-renewal and differentiation.
- Aberrant signaling in these pathways is implicated in hereditary and sporadic colorectal cancer syndromes.
- Mutations in pathway components disrupt normal intestinal cell dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and Hedgehog pathways are essential for intestinal homeostasis.
- Their dysregulation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of intestinal neoplasia.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.
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