Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
08:13
Generation, Maintenance, and Characterization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Intestinal and Colonic Organoids
Published on: July 9, 2021
2.8K
Hierarchy and Plasticity in the Intestinal Stem Cell Compartment
Maryam Yousefi1, Linheng Li2, Christopher J Lengner1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Trends in Cell Biology
|July 23, 2017
Summary
Somatic stem cells balance proliferation and DNA protection for tissue health. Evidence suggests a two-stem cell model in the intestine, with plasticity influencing regeneration and colorectal cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Somatic stem cells are crucial for tissue homeostasis, balancing proliferation and DNA damage protection.
- The organization of stem cell compartments, particularly in the intestine, is debated.
- Existing models propose distinct stem cell populations with varying sensitivities to injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for plasticity and hierarchy within the intestinal stem cell (ISC) compartment.
- To explore how ISC properties influence tissue regeneration.
- To understand the role of ISC plasticity in colorectal cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on intestinal stem cell (ISC) behavior.
- Analysis of evidence supporting different models of stem cell organization.
- Discussion of the implications of ISC plasticity for tissue repair and cancer.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a two-stem cell model in the intestine: an actively proliferating, injury-sensitive population and a quiescent, injury-resistant pool.
- Significant plasticity exists within the ISC compartment.
- ISC properties are linked to both tissue regeneration and oncogenic transformation.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal stem cell (ISC) organization involves a dynamic interplay between proliferation, injury resistance, and plasticity.
- Understanding ISC plasticity is key to comprehending tissue regeneration and colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
- Further research into ISC hierarchy and plasticity may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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
01:33Adult 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
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.5K
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...
2.5K
01:26Stem Cell Niche
6.4K
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
6.4K
01:14Maintenance of the ES Cell State
2.8K
The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...
2.8K
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.7K
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
2.7K