Intestinal stem cells: guardians of homeostasis in health and aging amid environmental challenges

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. This study, led by Jiahn Choi and Leonard H. Augenlicht, explores intestinal stem cells. The researchers carried out a review, studying how ISCs work and how factors like aging and diet influence them. They used various methods, including gene expression profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing, to comprehend how ISCs maintain the gut and how this alters with age or different diets. The researchers discovered that aging and diet greatly impact ISCs and the cells that assist them. For instance, aging can lessen the ability of ISCs to renew the gut lining, while certain diets can either damage or enhance ISC function. These findings propose that maintaining a healthy diet could be crucial to preserving gut health, especially as we age. The study progresses our understanding of the gut's maintenance system and suggests that lifestyle choices are significant for gut health.This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.