Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:42
Laser Ablation and Intravital Microscopy to Study Intestinal Remodeling
Published on: June 9, 2023
2.1K
Alcohol Injury Damages Intestinal Stem Cells
Rong Lu1, Robin M Voigt2, Yongguo Zhang1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|February 15, 2017
Summary
Chronic alcohol consumption damages intestinal stem cells (ISCs), leading to persistent intestinal dysfunction and increased cancer risk. This study reveals alcohol
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is linked to intestinal injury, leakiness, and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction persists long after alcohol cessation, despite rapid epithelial cell turnover.
- Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are crucial for intestinal epithelium renewal and regulation, but their response to alcohol is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alcohol on intestinal stem cells (ISCs).
- To determine if ISC dysregulation is a mechanism for alcohol-induced long-lasting intestinal damage.
Main Methods:
- In vivo: Assessed ISC markers (Lgr5, Bmi1) and β-catenin signaling in small intestinal samples from alcohol-fed and control mice.
- Ex vivo: Generated and exposed small intestine organoids to alcohol, analyzing ISC markers and β-catenin signaling.
Main Results:
- Chronic alcohol consumption decreased Bmi1 expression and dysregulated β-catenin signaling in mouse small intestines.
- Alcohol exposure significantly reduced organoid growth, budding, and surface area.
- Alcohol decreased Lgr5, p-β-catenin (ser552), and Bmi1 expression in organoid models.
Conclusions:
- Both chronic and acute alcohol exposure lead to intestinal stem cell (ISC) dysregulation.
- ISC dysregulation may be a key mechanism underlying alcohol-induced persistent intestinal damage and associated pathologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
3.4K
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...
3.4K
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.6K
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
2.6K
01:33Adult Stem Cells
34.0K
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously...
34.0K
01:24Liver Regeneration
4.6K
The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
4.6K
01:23Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
2.2K
After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
However, failure of such a system...
However, failure of such a system...
2.2K