What are the Clinical Implications of Dysregulation in the Intestinal Crypt Niche?

Dysregulation of the intestinal crypt niche can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. In IBD, chronic inflammation can disrupt the niche, impairing stem cell function and leading to defective epithelial barrier function. In colorectal cancer, mutations in key signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt) can result in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation.