Keratin 15 (Krt15) Are Radio Resistant and Tumor-Initiating Cells in the Mouse Small Intestine

The study identified a subpopulation of Krt15+ cells in the mouse small intestine that exhibited stem cell-like properties, including radio-resistance and the ability to initiate tumors. These Krt15+ cells were capable of regenerating tissue after radiation damage and could form 3D organoids, indicating their self-renewing and multipotent capacities. Krt15 deficiency impaired tissue regeneration, highlighting the importance of these cells in recovery from radiation injury. Furthermore, inducing Apc loss in Krt15+ cells led to the formation of adenomas and adenocarcinomas, with some cases showing metastases. This discovery suggested that Krt15+ cells could be a potential target for therapeutic strategies in colon cancer.