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In vitro models of intestinal epithelial cell differentiation

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Abstract

The intestinal epithelium is a particularly interesting tissue as (1) it is in a constant cell renewal from a stem cell pool located in the crypts which form, with the underlying fibroblasts, a stem cell niche and (2) the pluripotent stem cells give rise to four main cell types: enterocytes, mucus, endocrine, and Paneth cells. The mechanisms leading to the determination of phenotype commitment and cell-specific expressions are still poorly understood. Although transgenic mouse models are powerful tools for elucidating the molecular cascades implicated in these processes, cell culture approaches bring easy and elegant ways to study cellular behavior, cell interactions, and cell signaling pathways for example. In the present review, we will describe the major tissue culture technologies that allow differentiation of epithelial cells from undifferentiated embryonic or crypt cells. We will point to the necessity of the re-creation of a complex microenvironment that allows full differentiation process to occur. We will also summarize the characteristics and interesting properties of the cell lines established from human colorectal tumors.

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Abbreviations

CFTR:

cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

FAE:

follicle associated epithelium

GFP:

green fluorescent protein

FHI cells:

fetal human intestinal cells

IEC:

intestinal epithelial cells

L-PK:

L-type pyruvate kinase

MAP kinase:

mitogen-activated protein kinase

MTX:

methotrexate

ngn3:

neurogenin 3

ZO-1:

zonula occludens-1

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  1. N. Turck

    Present address: Centre Médical Universitaire, Univ. Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inserm U682, Strasbourg, France

    P. Simon-Assmann, M. Sidhoum-Jenny, G. Gradwohl & M. Kedinger

  2. Faculté de Médecine, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France

    P. Simon-Assmann, M. Sidhoum-Jenny, G. Gradwohl & M. Kedinger

  3. Inserm U682, Development and Physiopathology of the Intestine and Pancreas, 3, Avenue Molière, 67200, Strasbourg, France

    P. Simon-Assmann

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  1. P. Simon-Assmann
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Correspondence to P. Simon-Assmann.

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Simon-Assmann, P., Turck, N., Sidhoum-Jenny, M. et al. In vitro models of intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. Cell Biol Toxicol 23, 241–256 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10565-006-0175-0

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