Intrinsic ageing of gut epithelial stem cells.
The maintenance of integrity of gut epithelium is essential for the well being of the organism throughout life. Gut epithelium is maintained through a carefully controlled balance between cell loss and renewal, which is sustained by the proliferation of the epithelial stem cells. Although these stem cells show no intrinsic limit to their proliferative capacity, recent evidence indicates that they suffer important functional impairments during the course of ageing. This paper reviews what is currently known about intrinsic ageing of gut epithelial stem cells and its functional consequences.
Kirkwood
Thomas B L
TB
Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Biogerontology Research, Institute for Ageing and Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE, UK. Tom.Kirkwood@ncl.ac.uk
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*