Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
07:00
Using Caco-2 Cells to Study Lipid Transport by the Intestine
Published on: August 20, 2015
Enteroendocrine cells and lipid absorption.
Georg Mellitzer1, Gerard Gradwohl
1Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U964, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France. mellit@igbmc.fr
Current Opinion in Lipidology
|April 6, 2011
Summary
Enteroendocrine cells, crucial for nutrient sensing, significantly impact lipid absorption. Their hormones regulate chylomicron formation, offering new therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders like obesity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized cells in the gut epithelium.
- EECs secrete hormones that regulate various physiological functions, including appetite and glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the role of enteroendocrine cells in lipid absorption.
- To explore the mechanisms by which EECs influence dietary fat uptake and processing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of studies involving genetic manipulation of enteroendocrine cell development (e.g., Ngn3 inactivation).
- Review of gain and loss of function experiments in animal models (mouse, hamster) and primary enterocytes.
- Examination of the role of specific molecules like apoB-48 and CD36 in EEC-mediated lipid absorption.
Main Results:
- Inactivation of neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) in intestinal EECs results in impaired lipid absorption and growth retardation.
- Enteroendocrine hormones regulate the formation and secretion of apoB-48-containing chylomicrons.
- The scavenger receptor CD36's glycosylation is indirectly stimulated by EECs, influencing lipid handling.
Conclusions:
- Enteroendocrine cells play a significant, previously underappreciated role in regulating lipid absorption.
- EEC-derived hormones influence key pathways in dietary fat metabolism, including chylomicron assembly.
- These findings highlight EECs as potential therapeutic targets for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Lipid Absorption
Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
01:06Lipid Digestion
Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
01:16Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:27Histology of the Small Intestine
The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...