Effects of Paneth Cell Secretions in the Small Intestinal Crypts (2013)
Undergraduate: Pratik Kanabur
Faculty Advisor: Christopher Dekaney
Department: Applied Sciences
Paneth Cells are special intestinal cells that reside intercalated among the intestinal epithelial stem cells in the small intestine crypt. The cytoplasm of Paneth cells is mostly filled with large granules that contain a variety of proteins compounds that are important in cell immunity and host-defense. They have been recently suspected of playing a role in protection of the small intestinal stem cell niche, especially after damage. Secretions containing these granules were collected and used to evaluate various parameters. The secretions were added to bacterial cultures, and a 50% decline in colony formation was noted. Furthermore the secretions were added to a small intestinal stem cell line to test for cell migration. A scratch-wound assay was performed and it was observed that cells treated with these secretions had a 90% closure after 24 hours compared to a 40% closure with control cells. Next, it was observed that treating intestinal crypt cultures with the secretions enhanced the formation of buds. In addition, these secretions were added to intestinal crypt cultures in minimalistic media, which rescued the ability for the crypt to bud and grow. Thus, we believe that the Paneth Cell plays a significant role in maintaining equilibrium in the intestinal epithelium.