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Related Concept Videos

Microvilli00:55

Microvilli

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Microvilli are tiny finger-like projections found on the surface of certain cells. Their purpose is to increase the surface area of the cell's apical surface, resulting in more effective absorption or secretion of substances.
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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...
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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.
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After spending 3 to 10 hours in the large intestine, chyme loses a lot of water and becomes feces, the final product of digestion. Feces consist of undigested dietary fiber such as cellulose, mucus, sloughed-off epithelial cells, and microbes. The descending and sigmoid colon stores feces and uses haustral contractions to dry it out but retains enough water to give it a semi-solid texture.
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
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Shaping the intestinal brush border.

Scott W Crawley1, Mark S Mooseker2, Matthew J Tyska3

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|November 26, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epithelial cells form microvilli, crucial for tissue function, by coordinating actin cytoskeleton remodeling, membrane-cytoskeleton interactions, and cell adhesion. This process shapes the apical brush border domain for enhanced functional capacity.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • Epithelial cells differentiate to form specialized structures like the brush border.
  • The brush border consists of microvilli, actin-supported membrane protrusions that increase surface area.
  • Understanding microvilli formation is key to comprehending tissue function and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying the assembly, stabilization, and organization of apical microvilli.
  • To explore the interplay of biochemical and physical factors in brush border formation.
  • To elucidate how epithelial cells coordinate cellular processes to shape apical domains.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cytoskeletal remodeling dynamics.
  • Investigation of membrane-cytoskeleton cross-linking mechanisms.
  • Assessment of extracellular adhesion's role in apical structure formation.

Main Results:

  • Epithelial cells coordinate cytoskeletal remodeling to form microvilli.
  • Membrane-cytoskeleton cross-linking is essential for stabilizing microvilli.
  • Extracellular adhesion contributes to shaping the apical brush border domain.

Conclusions:

  • Brush border formation involves coordinated cellular processes.
  • Actin cytoskeleton dynamics, membrane interactions, and adhesion are critical for microvilli.
  • These coordinated mechanisms enhance the functional capacity of epithelial tissues.