Work

The Circadian Clock Gates the Intestinal Stem Cell Regenerative State

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: The intestine has evolved under constant environmental stresses, because an animal may ingest harmful pathogens or chemicals at any time during its lifespan. Following damage, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) regenerate the intestine by proliferating to replace dying cells. ISCs from diverse animals are remarkably similar, and the Wnt, Notch, and Hippo signaling pathways, important regulators of mammalian ISCs, are conserved from flies to humans. Unexpectedly, we identified the transcription factor period, a component of the circadian clock, to be critical for regeneration, which itself follows a circadian rhythm. We discovered hundreds of transcripts that are regulated by the clock during intestinal regeneration, including components of stress response and regeneration pathways. Disruption of clock components leads to arrhythmic ISC divisions, revealing their underappreciated role in the healing process.

Source: Cell Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.03.016

Authors: Phillip Karpowicz, Yong Zhang, John B. Hogenesch, Patrick Emery, Norbert Perrimon

Institutions: Harvard University, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, University of Pennsylvania, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Language: English

Topic: Circadian rhythm and melatonin

Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620