What are the crypts?
Crypts
are structures, which you can find in the intestine. The function of an intestinal crypt is to maintain epithelial tissue in the intestine. In this
process crucial role play stem cells, which are located at the
bottom of each crypt. Stem cells are very precious cells - they are in
undifferentiated state and give rise to other cells.
Generally speaking,
stem cells are very rare in our organism and live in special places,
where they are protected. Such places are called the stem cell niches. In
my PhD project I am investigating the role of fibroblasts as a stem
cell niche for the intestinal stem cells.
Schematic of an intestinal crypt.
