Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
The role of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the recovery after intestinal ischemia/ reperfusion injury (IRI) was investigated focusing on the intestinal stem cell function. We explored the mechanisms for the therapeutic action of engrafted MSCs that affect the epithelial cell restitution and proliferation as a result in consequences to the epithelial stem cell regulation in an IRI model. Recovery of epithelial function after IRI was significantly promoted by MSC transplantation due to inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation. Furthermore, lacZ-labelled MSC-derived cells were identified in the area of intestinal stem cells. Engrafted MSCs were likely programmed to differentiate to intestinal stem cells.