Open AccessUpdate on small intestinal stem cells
Author(s) -
Valentina Tesori,
Maria Ausiliatrice Puglisi,
Wanda Lattanzi,
Giovanni Gasbarrini,
Antonio Gasbarrini
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v19.i29.4671
Subject(s) - stem cell , crypt , biology , regeneration (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , somatic cell , adult stem cell , small intestine , cellular differentiation , niche , stem cell niche , homeostasis , immunology , progenitor cell , genetics , ecology , endocrinology , gene
Among somatic stem cells, those residing in the intestine represent a fascinating and poorly explored research field. Particularly, somatic stem cells reside in the small intestine at the level of the crypt base, in a constant balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Aim of the present review is to delve into the mechanisms that regulate the delicate equilibrium through which intestinal stem cells orchestrate intestinal architecture. To this aim, special focus will be addressed to identify the integrating signals from the surrounding niche, supporting a model whereby distinct cell populations facilitate homeostatic vs injury-induced regeneration.