Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Exp Mol Med. 2024 Mar;56(3):495-500. doi: 10.1038/s12276-024-01179-1. Epub 2024 Mar 1.
The intestinal epithelium is the first line of defense and acts as an interface between the vast microbial world within the gastrointestinal tract and the body's internal milieu. The intestinal epithelium not only facilitates nutrient absorption but also plays a key role in defending against pathogens and regulating the immune system. Central to maintaining a healthy epithelium are intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which are essential for replenishing the intestinal epithelium throughout an individual's lifespan. Recent research has unveiled the intricate interplay between ISCs and their niche, which includes various cell types, extracellular components, and signaling molecules. In this review, we delve into the most recent advances in ISC research, with a focus on the roles of ISCs in maintaining mucosal homeostasis and how ISC functionality is influenced by the niche environment. In this review, we explored the regulatory mechanisms that govern ISC behavior, emphasizing the dynamic adaptability of the intestinal epithelium in the face of various challenges. Understanding the intricate regulation of ISCs and the impact of aging and environmental factors is crucial for advancing our knowledge and developing translational approaches. Future studies should investigate the interactive effects of different risk factors on intestinal function and develop strategies for improving the regenerative capacity of the gut.
肠上皮是第一道防线，充当着胃肠道内庞大微生物世界与体内环境之间的界面。肠上皮不仅促进营养吸收，而且在抵御病原体和调节免疫系统方面发挥着关键作用。维持健康的肠上皮的核心是肠干细胞（ISCs），它对于个体整个生命周期中肠上皮的补充至关重要。最近的研究揭示了 ISCs 与其龛之间的复杂相互作用，其中包括各种细胞类型、细胞外成分和信号分子。在这篇综述中，我们深入探讨了 ISC 研究的最新进展，重点关注 ISCs 在维持黏膜稳态中的作用，以及 ISC 功能如何受到龛环境的影响。在这篇综述中，我们探讨了调控 ISC 行为的调控机制，强调了肠上皮在面对各种挑战时的动态适应性。了解 ISC 的精细调控以及衰老和环境因素的影响对于我们增进知识和开发转化方法至关重要。未来的研究应调查不同风险因素对肠道功能的相互影响，并制定改善肠道再生能力的策略。
