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Moerkens R, Mooiweer J, Ramírez-Sánchez AD, Oelen R, Franke L, Wijmenga C, Barrett RJ, Jonkers IH, Withoff S. An iPSC-derived small intestine-on-chip with self-organizing epithelial, mesenchymal, and neural cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114247. [PMID: 38907996 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived intestinal organoids are valuable tools for researching developmental biology and personalized therapies, but their closed topology and relative immature state limit applications. Here, we use organ-on-chip technology to develop a hiPSC-derived intestinal barrier with apical and basolateral access in a more physiological in vitro microenvironment. To replicate growth factor gradients along the crypt-villus axis, we locally expose the cells to expansion and differentiation media. In these conditions, intestinal epithelial cells self-organize into villus-like folds with physiological barrier integrity, and myofibroblasts and neurons emerge and form a subepithelial tissue in the bottom channel. The growth factor gradients efficiently balance dividing and mature cell types and induce an intestinal epithelial composition, including absorptive and secretory lineages, resembling the composition of the human small intestine. This well-characterized hiPSC-derived intestine-on-chip system can facilitate personalized studies on physiological processes and therapy development in the human small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Moerkens
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joram Mooiweer
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aarón D Ramírez-Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy Oelen
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lude Franke
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Barrett
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Iris H Jonkers
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebo Withoff
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Rappold R, Kalogeropoulos K, Auf dem Keller U, Vogel V, Slack E. Salmonella-driven intestinal edema in mice is characterized by tensed fibronectin fibers. FEBS J 2024; 291:3104-3127. [PMID: 38487972 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal edema is a common manifestation of numerous gastrointestinal diseases and is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space of the intestinal wall. Technical advances in laser capture microdissection and low-biomass proteomics now allow us to specifically characterize the intestinal edema proteome. Using advanced proteomics, we identify peptides derived from antimicrobial factors with high signal intensity, but also highlight major contributions from the blood clotting system, extracellular matrix (ECM) and protease-protease inhibitor networks. The ECM is a complex fibrillar network of macromolecules that provides structural and mechanical support to the intestinal tissue. One abundant component of the ECM observed in Salmonella-driven intestinal edema is the glycoprotein fibronectin, recognized for its structure-function interplay regulated by mechanical forces. Using mechanosensitive staining of fibronectin fibers reveals that they are tensed in the edema, despite the high abundance of proteases able to cleave fibronectin. In contrast, fibronectin fibers increasingly relax in other cecal tissue areas as the infection progresses. Co-staining for fibrin(ogen) indicates the formation of a provisional matrix in the edema, similar to what is observed in response to skin injury, while collagen staining reveals a sparse and disrupted collagen fiber network. These observations plus the absence of low tensional fibronectin fibers and the additional finding of a high number of protease inhibitors in the edema proteome could indicate a critical role of stretched fibronectin fibers in maintaining tissue integrity in the severely inflamed cecum. Understanding these processes may also provide valuable functional diagnostic markers of intestinal disease progression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Rappold
- Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Viola Vogel
- Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Botnar Research Center for Child Health, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emma Slack
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Botnar Research Center for Child Health, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Li L, Lin W, Wang Z, Huang R, Xia H, Li Z, Deng J, Ye T, Huang Y, Yang Y. Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5805. [PMID: 38891991 PMCID: PMC11172568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The testes serve as the primary source of androgens and the site of spermatogenesis, with their development and function governed by hormonal actions via endocrine and paracrine pathways. Male fertility hinges on the availability of testosterone, a cornerstone of spermatogenesis, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signaling is indispensable for the proliferation, differentiation, and proper functioning of Sertoli and germ cells. This review covers the research on how androgens, FSH, and other hormones support processes crucial for male fertility in the testis and reproductive tract. These hormones are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, which is either quiescent or activated at different stages of the life course, and the regulation of the axis is crucial for the development and normal function of the male reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances, whether due to genetic predispositions or environmental influences, leading to hypogonadism or hypergonadism, can precipitate reproductive disorders. Investigating the regulatory network and molecular mechanisms involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis is instrumental in developing new therapeutic methods, drugs, and male hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Wanqing Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Rufei Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Huan Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Jingxian Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (L.L.); (W.L.); (Z.W.); (R.H.); (H.X.); (Z.L.); (J.D.); (T.Y.)
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Li H, Chen Z, Chen N, Fan Y, Xu Y, Xu X. Applications of lung cancer organoids in precision medicine: from bench to bedside. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:350. [PMID: 38057851 PMCID: PMC10698950 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, lung cancer continues to pose a menacing threat to human health worldwide. Lung cancer treatment options primarily rely on chemoradiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Despite significant progress in research and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is only 10-20%. There is an urgent need to develop more reliable preclinical models and valid therapeutic approaches. Patient-derived organoids with highly reduced tumour heterogeneity have emerged as a promising model for high-throughput drug screening to guide treatment of lung cancer patients. Organoid technology offers a novel platform for disease modelling, biobanking and drug development. The expected benefit of organoids is for cancer patients as the subsequent precision medicine technology. Over the past few years, numerous basic and clinical studies have been conducted on lung cancer organoids, highlighting the significant contributions of this technique. This review comprehensively examines the current state-of-the-art technologies and applications relevant to the formation of lung cancer organoids, as well as the potential of organoids in precision medicine and drug testing. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Li
- Department of Medical Thoracic Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zexin Chen
- Guangdong Research Center of Organoid Engineering and Technology, Guangzhou, 510535, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Department of Medical Thoracic Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Medical Thoracic Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yaping Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Xie Z, Zhou G, Zhang M, Han J, Wang Y, Li X, Wu Q, Li M, Zhang S. Recent developments on BMPs and their antagonists in inflammatory bowel diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:210. [PMID: 37391444 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01520-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, are intestinal disorders characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation. A large proportion of patients with IBD will progress to develop colitis-associated colorectal cancer due to the chronic intestinal inflammation. Biologic agents that target tumour necrosis factor-α, integrin α4β7, and interleukin (IL)12/23p40 have been more successful than conventional therapies in treating IBD. However, drug intolerance and loss of response are serious drawbacks of current biologics, necessitating the development of novel drugs that target specific pathways in IBD pathogenesis. One promising group of candidate molecules are bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the TGF-β family involved in regulating morphogenesis, homeostasis, stemness, and inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract. Also worth examining are BMP antagonists, major regulators of these proteins. Evidence has shown that BMPs (especially BMP4/6/7) and BMP antagonists (especially Gremlin1 and follistatin-like protein 1) play essential roles in IBD pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an updated overview on the involvement of BMPs and BMP antagonists in IBD pathogenesis and in regulating the fate of intestinal stem cells. We also described the expression patterns of BMPs and BMP antagonists along the intestinal crypt-villus axis. Lastly, we synthesized available research on negative regulators of BMP signalling. This review summarizes recent developments on BMPs and BMP antagonists in IBD pathogenesis, which provides novel insights into future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Xie
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Gaoshi Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mudan Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jing Han
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qirui Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Manying Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghong Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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6
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Wang Z, Qu YJ, Cui M. Modulation of stem cell fate in intestinal homeostasis, injury and repair. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:354-368. [PMID: 37342221 PMCID: PMC10277971 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian intestinal epithelium constitutes the largest barrier against the external environment and makes flexible responses to various types of stimuli. Epithelial cells are fast-renewed to counteract constant damage and disrupted barrier function to maintain their integrity. The homeostatic repair and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium are governed by the Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of crypts, which fuel rapid renewal and give rise to the different epithelial cell types. Protracted biological and physicochemical stress may challenge epithelial integrity and the function of ISCs. The field of ISCs is thus of interest for complete mucosal healing, given its relevance to diseases of intestinal injury and inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Here, we review the current understanding of the signals and mechanisms that control homeostasis and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. We focus on recent insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic elements involved in the process of intestinal homeostasis, injury, and repair, which fine-tune the balance between self-renewal and cell fate specification in ISCs. Deciphering the regulatory machinery that modulates stem cell fate would aid in the development of novel therapeutics that facilitate mucosal healing and restore epithelial barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan-Ji Qu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
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7
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Wallaeys C, Garcia‐Gonzalez N, Libert C. Paneth cells as the cornerstones of intestinal and organismal health: a primer. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e16427. [PMID: 36573340 PMCID: PMC9906427 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Paneth cells are versatile secretory cells located in the crypts of Lieberkühn of the small intestine. In normal conditions, they function as the cornerstones of intestinal health by preserving homeostasis. They perform this function by providing niche factors to the intestinal stem cell compartment, regulating the composition of the microbiome through the production and secretion of antimicrobial peptides, performing phagocytosis and efferocytosis, taking up heavy metals, and preserving barrier integrity. Disturbances in one or more of these functions can lead to intestinal as well as systemic inflammatory and infectious diseases. This review discusses the multiple functions of Paneth cells, and the mechanisms and consequences of Paneth cell dysfunction. It also provides an overview of the tools available for studying Paneth cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wallaeys
- Center for Inflammation Research‐VIBGhentBelgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Natalia Garcia‐Gonzalez
- Center for Inflammation Research‐VIBGhentBelgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Center for Inflammation Research‐VIBGhentBelgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
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8
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Bolanta S, Malijauskaite S, McGourty K, O’Reilly EJ. Synthesis of Poly(acrylic acid)-Cysteine-Based Hydrogels with Highly Customizable Mechanical Properties for Advanced Cell Culture Applications. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:9108-9117. [PMID: 35350353 PMCID: PMC8945188 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of highly customizable scaffolds is a key enabling technology in the development of predictive in vitro cell models for applications in drug discovery, cancer research, and regenerative medicine. Naturally derived and synthetic hydrogels are good candidates for in vitro cell growth studies, owing to their soft and biocompatible nature; however, they are often hindered by limited ranges of stiffness and the requirement to modify the gel with additional extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins for cell adherence. Here, we report on the synthesis of a printable synthetic hydrogel based on cysteine-modified poly(acrylic acid) (PAA-Cys) with tuneable mechanical and swelling properties by incorporating acrylic acid into the PAA-Cys network and subsequent photoinitiated thiol-acrylate cross-linking. Control of the acrylic acid concentration and UV curing time produces a series of hydrogels with swelling ratios in excess of 100% and Young's modulus values ranging from ∼2 to ∼35 kPa, of which most soft tissues fall within. Biocompatibility studies with RPE1 cells showed excellent cell adhesion and cell viability without the need for further modification with ECM proteins, but still can be modified as needed. The versatility of the hydrogel tuneable properties is demonstrated by culturing with RPE1 cells, which in vivo perform an important function in the visual process and the dysfunction of which may lead to various retinal abnormalities, such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon
O. Bolanta
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Sigita Malijauskaite
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Kieran McGourty
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Health
Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Emmet J. O’Reilly
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
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9
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Identifying key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2163-2176. [PMID: 34665221 PMCID: PMC8589435 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal tract is lined by a single layer of epithelium that is one of the fastest regenerating tissues in the body and which therefore requires a very active and exquisitely controlled stem cell population. Rapid renewal of the epithelium is necessary to provide a continuous physical barrier from the intestinal luminal microenvironment that contains abundant microorganisms, whilst also ensuring an efficient surface for the absorption of dietary components. Specialised epithelial cell populations are important for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and are derived from adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Actively cycling ISCs divide by a neutral drift mechanism yielding either ISCs or transit-amplifying epithelial cells, the latter of which differentiate to become either absorptive lineages or to produce secretory factors that contribute further to intestinal barrier maintenance or signal to other cellular compartments. The mechanisms controlling ISC abundance, longevity and activity are regulated by several different cell populations and signalling pathways in the intestinal lamina propria which together form the ISC niche. However, the complexity of the ISC niche and communication mechanisms between its different components are only now starting to be unravelled with the assistance of intestinal organoid/enteroid/colonoid and single-cell imaging and sequencing technologies. This review explores the interaction between well-established and emerging ISC niche components, their impact on the intestinal epithelium in health and in the context of intestinal injury and highlights future directions and implications for this rapidly developing field.
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