Signaling Network Centered on mTORC1 Dominates Mammalian Intestinal Stem Cell Ageing

The intestine integrates the function of digestion, absorption, and barrier, which is easily damaged by the external factors upon ageing. The intestinal stem cells (ISCs) exist at the intestinal crypt base and play an indispensable role in intestinal homeostasis and regeneration. The intestine ageing contributes to malabsorption and other associated illnesses, which were considered to be related to ISCs. Here, we summarize the current research progress of mammalian ISCs ageing and pay more attention to the central regulatory role of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in regulating mammalian ISCs ageing, and its related AMPK, FOXO, Wnt signaling pathways. Furthermore, we also discuss the interventions aimed at mTORC1 and its associated signaling pathways, which may provide potential strategies for rejuvenating aged ISCs and the therapy of age-related intestinal diseases. Graphical abstract Many signaling pathways are altered in the ageing ISCs, thereby inducing the decrease of ISC self-renewal, differentiation, and regeneration, an increasing of oxidative stress may contribute to damage to the ISCs. Interventions such as calorie restriction, fasting and so on can effectively alleviate these adverse effects.