Molecular and cellular biology of the small intestine.
The crypt-villus axis is composed of a dynamic cell population in perpetual change from a crypt proliferative and undifferentiated stage to a mature villus stage. The migration of crypt cells is accompanied by cellular differentiation that leads to morphological and functional changes. In addition to this intrinsic gene program, intestinal epithelial cells respond to extrinsic signals by producing various molecules. Using different experimental approaches, recent studies have further characterized intestinal epithelial-cell biology and provided evidence of their polyvalent and important role in gut homeostasis.
Jobin
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Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7080, USA.
Behrns
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Brenner
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