Cellular protection mechanisms that minimise accumulation of mutations in intestinal tissue

TY - JOUR

T1 - Cellular protection mechanisms that minimise accumulation of mutations in intestinal tissue

AU - van Rheenen, Jacco

AU - Bruens, Lotte

PY - 2017/11/9

Y1 - 2017/11/9

N2 - The epithelial lining of the intestine is constantly exposed to a hostile environment containing a mixture of gastric acids, consumed harmful substances and microbes. It is widely accepted that the intestine has multiple mechanisms to protect itself against tissue damage. Here, we review three cellular protection mechanisms that protect intestinal tissue against accumulation of somatic mutations: the conveyer belt-like structure, stem cell competition and crypt fusion. We highlight the events that can perturb these cellular protection mechanisms, and their impact on accumulation of new (oncogenic) mutations. Lastly, we review the potential of in-vitro and intravital microscopy techniques to study the dynamics of these protection processes. These studies may identify new targets that can be used to manipulate cellular protection mechanisms in such a way that accumulation of new mutations can be reduced. Importantly, reducing mutation accumulation has the potential to delay aging, and the initiation and progression of diseases such as colorectal cancer.

AB - The epithelial lining of the intestine is constantly exposed to a hostile environment containing a mixture of gastric acids, consumed harmful substances and microbes. It is widely accepted that the intestine has multiple mechanisms to protect itself against tissue damage. Here, we review three cellular protection mechanisms that protect intestinal tissue against accumulation of somatic mutations: the conveyer belt-like structure, stem cell competition and crypt fusion. We highlight the events that can perturb these cellular protection mechanisms, and their impact on accumulation of new (oncogenic) mutations. Lastly, we review the potential of in-vitro and intravital microscopy techniques to study the dynamics of these protection processes. These studies may identify new targets that can be used to manipulate cellular protection mechanisms in such a way that accumulation of new mutations can be reduced. Importantly, reducing mutation accumulation has the potential to delay aging, and the initiation and progression of diseases such as colorectal cancer.

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.4414/smw.2017.14539

DO - 10.4414/smw.2017.14539

M3 - Article

C2 - 29120019

SN - 0036-7672

VL - 147

SP - w14539

JO - Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift

JF - Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift

ER -