Intestinal stem cell dynamics in homeostasis and cancer
Rana Ramadan, Milou S. van Driel, Louis Vermeulen, Sanne M. van Neerven
Abstract
The relationship between intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a topic of intense study. Uncovering stem cell dynamics in homeostasis and following acquisition of oncogenic mutations has provided unprecedented insights into CRC initiation, and it is increasingly evident that the microenvironment plays a key role in regulating stem cell fate and functionality. Consequently, imbalances in the signaling between the niche and ISCs perturb homeostasis and promote cancer development. Furthermore, stem cell-like cells drive growth and progression of established CRCs and these cells also critically rely on microenvironmental input. Here, we highlight the importance of stem cell/niche interactions in developing and established CRC and discuss how these can be modulated to develop novel preventive and therapeutic interventions.