Interaction between stem cells and Paneth Cells (red)

The “fountain of youth” was a myth, but there is a fountain of aging called “Notum,” which biologists at the University of Helsinki have explored.  “Normally intestinal epithelium is renewed by stem cells that rely on activity of Wnt-signaling pathway. Surrounding cells produce molecules that activate this pathway. The study shows that during ageing, Paneth cells begin to express a secreted Wnt-inhibitor called Notum. Notum enzymatically inactivates Wnt-ligands in the stem cell niche, decreasing regenerative potential of intestinal stem cells. However, pharmacologic inhibition of Notum rejuvenated stem cell activity and promoted the recovery of old animals after treatment with a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug with severe side-effects in the gut.”  The NOTUM gene is at the end of the long arm of Chromosome 17.   MORE

Image Credit:  University of Helsinki

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