Key points from article :
Single key molecule found to be critical in repairing the gut lining.
Increasing the presence of this molecule accelerates its repair and regeneration.
The walls of the gut rely on a strong membrane to provide a protective barrier.
Needed to separate gut microbiome from the bloodstream and internal organs.
Loss of integrity can lead to various diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Scientists created miniature gut organoids - a small version of gut tissue grown in a dish.
Identified cells located near the gut stem cells which produce neuregulin 1 (NRG1).
Able to speed up gut repair by introducing additional NRG1that activated the stem cells sooner.
Stem cells also had improved performance.
Demonstrated that recovery is significantly improved with the application of NRG1 following chemotherapy.
Combating the general loss of gut membrane integrity could help reduce age-related systemic inflammation.
Research from Monash University published in Cell Stem Cell journal.
