Article1 min read·Published Jan 2017Older

Canonical Wnt Signaling Ameliorates Aging of Intestinal Stem Cells

Part of Intestinal Stem Cells & Regeneration 24 items

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Michael Helmrath

Although intestinal homeostasis is maintained by intestinal stem cells (ISCs), regeneration is impaired upon aging. Here, we first uncover changes in intestinal architecture, cell number, and cell composition upon aging. Second, we identify a decline in the regenerative capacity of ISCs upon aging because of a decline in canonical Wnt signaling in ISCs. Changes in expression of Wnts are found in stem cells themselves and in their niche, including Paneth cells and mesenchyme. Third, reactivating canonical Wnt signaling enhances the function of both murine and human ISCs and, thus, ameliorates aging-associated phenotypes of ISCs in an organoid assay. Our data demonstrate a role for impaired Wnt signaling in physiological aging of ISCs and further identify potential therapeutic avenues to improve ISC regenerative potential upon aging.

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Article · Jan 2017 · 1 min read

In brief

This study reveals that age-related decline in intestinal stem cell regeneration is driven by reduced canonical Wnt signaling in both stem cells and their supporting niche. Reactivating Wnt signaling restores function in aged mouse and human intestinal stem cells, offering potential therapeutic strategies to reverse aging-associated intestinal dysfunction.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.

Michael Helmrath

Statements in this article

Intestinal homeostasis is maintained by intestinal stem cells.
Established
Intestinal regeneration is impaired upon aging.
Research
Aging causes changes in intestinal architecture, cell number, and cell composition.
Research
The regenerative capacity of intestinal stem cells declines upon aging because of a decline in canonical Wnt signaling in intestinal stem cells.
Research
Changes in expression of Wnts occur in stem cells themselves and in their niche, including Paneth cells and mesenchyme.
Research
Reactivating canonical Wnt signaling enhances the function of both murine and human intestinal stem cells.
Research
Reactivating canonical Wnt signaling ameliorates aging-associated phenotypes of intestinal stem cells in an organoid assay.
Research