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The regulatory niche of intestinal stem cells
Author(s) -
Sailaja Badi Sri,
He Xi C.,
Li Linheng
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jp271931
Subject(s) - niche , stem cell niche , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , progenitor cell , ecology
Abstract The niche constitutes a unique category of cells that support the microenvironment for the maintenance and self‐renewal of stem cells. Intestinal stem cells reside at the base of the crypt, which contains adjacent epithelial cells, stromal cells and smooth muscle cells, and soluble and cell‐associated growth and differentiation factors. We summarize here recent advances in our understanding of the crucial role of the niche in regulating stem cells. The stem cell niche maintains a balance among quiescence, proliferation and regeneration of intestinal stem cells after injury. Mesenchymal cells, Paneth cells, immune cells, endothelial cells and neural cells are important regulatory components that secrete niche ligands, growth factors and cytokines. Intestinal homeostasis is regulated by niche signalling pathways, specifically Wnt, bone morphogenetic protein, Notch and epidermal growth factor. These insights into the regulatory stem cell niche during homeostasis and post‐injury regeneration offer the potential to accelerate development of therapies for intestine‐related disorders.