Building a Better Barrier: Modeling the Human Gut Epithelium

The human intestinal epithelial barrier comprises diverse proliferative, secretory and absorptive cell types that facilitate nutrient digestion and absorption and protect against harmful environmental agents. The barrier and its function can vary between individuals due to genetic differences thus impact processes such as digestion, drug metabolism, and drug sensitivity. Our guests today investigated the effect of diverse culture conditions on the cell type composition, gene expression profiles, and maturation status of human pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal epithelial cells in three different model systems. Their research provides insight into the relevant conditions and systems for modeling specific intestinal functions and highlights the importance of personalized intestinal model systems. GuestsSebo Withoff is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.  Iris Jonkers is an Adjunct Professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow in the Department of Genetics at University of Groningen in the Netherlands.  Renée Moerkens is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Ombion in the Netherlands.  Joram Mooiweer is a PhD Student in the Department of Genetics at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. HostJanet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner FoundationSupporting ContentGene expression profiling reveals enhanced nutrient and drug metabolism and maturation of hiPSC-derived intestine-on-chip relative to organoids and TranswellsAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.X: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsMegan Koch, Senior Marketing ManagerJack Mosher, Scientific DirectorHunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator