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Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions during digestive tract development and epithelial stem cell regeneration
Ludovic Le Guen1, Stéphane Marchal1, Sandrine Faure1
1INSERM U1046, UMR CNRS 9214, Université de Montpellier, 34295, Montpellier, France.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|July 2, 2015
Summary
Gastrointestinal development relies on mesenchymal-epithelial interactions, crucial for organ formation and homeostasis. Disruptions can lead to bowel dysfunction and tumor development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract arises from a simple tube, developing complex structures through interactions between germ layers.
- Mesenchymal signals are critical for epithelial morphogenesis, regionalization, and the function of the digestive system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in digestive epithelium development, differentiation, and regeneration.
- To highlight the involvement of key signaling pathways in these processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gastrointestinal development and mesenchymal-epithelial interactions.
- Analysis of signaling pathways including Hedgehog, BMPs, Notch, WNT, HOX, SOX, and FOXF cascades.
Main Results:
- Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions guide the anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral patterning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- These interactions are vital for smooth muscle cell differentiation, enteric nervous system development, and epithelial homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of these interactions is linked to bowel dysfunction and epithelial tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal-epithelial crosstalk is fundamental for establishing and maintaining gastrointestinal structure and function throughout life.
- Understanding these interactions is key for addressing digestive disorders and promoting epithelial stem cell regeneration.
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