Metabolic Teamwork in the Stem Cell Niche

The study by Rodríguez-Colman et al. revealed a metabolic partnership in the intestinal stem cell (ISC) niche, where Paneth cells undergo glycolysis to produce lactate, which ISCs then convert into pyruvate to fuel mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). This process generates reactive oxygen species that activate p38 MAP kinase signaling, promoting crypt differentiation. The findings suggest that metabolic functions are compartmentalized to support stem cell function, raising questions about the applicability of these mechanisms to other stem cell compartments and potential therapeutic targets in cancer stem cells. However, the study's reliance on in vitro models highlights the need for further research in living organisms.