part of stem cell multi fate stem cell intestinal crypt stem cell 2010-09-08T09:21:22Z https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002250 Intestinal crypt stem cells, also known as crypt base columnar cells, are a unique type of cell, characterized by the highly specific marker LGR5, found in the intestinal epithelium. Situated at the bottom of the minute pockets known as crypts of Lieberkühn, these are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to perpetually self-renew, as well as differentiate into various other cell types that constitute the epithelial lining of the intestine. The fundamental role of intestinal crypt stem cells is to provide a constant supply of new cells to maintain the cellular turnover of the intestinal epithelium, a tissue known for rapid self-renewal. These stem cells are nurtured and protected by specialized epithelial and mesenchymal cells, and together constitute the intestinal stem cell niche. An important function of intestinal crypt stem cells is to sustain the balance between cell division and programmed cell death, called apoptosis, to ensure the integrity of the intestinal lining. Given their active proliferation rate, these stem cells initiate the creation of diverse differentiated cell types, including enterocytes (the primary absorptive cells in the intestinal lumen), goblet cells (that produce mucus to protect the epithelial layer), enteroendocrine cells (involved in producing gastrointestinal hormones), and Paneth cells (involved in secreting antimicrobial peptides). This diversity in output regulates the physiological activities of the gut ranging from nutrient absorption, hormone secretion, bacterial balance, to immunity. Research studies suggest that dysregulation in intestinal crypt stem cell proliferation and differentiation is associated with several intestinal disorders including intestinal cancer, and various enteropathies. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) A stem cell located in epithelium the based of the crypt of Lieberkuhn. Division of these cells serve both to maintain the stem cell population and produce the transit amplifying cells that are all precursors of all cell types that populate the intestinal epithelium. stem cell of intestinal crypt of Lieberkuhn FMA:63379 intestinal epithelial cell crypt of Lieberkuhn