Mouse Intestinal Krt15+ Crypt Cells Are Radio-Resistant and Tumor Initiating

The study concluded that Krt15+ crypt cells in the mouse intestine were radio-resistant, multipotent, and capable of initiating tumors upon Apc loss. These cells demonstrated self-renewal capacity, contributed to tissue regeneration post-radiation, and could give rise to adenomas and adenocarcinomas, indicating their significant role in both normal intestinal function and cancer development. The findings suggested that Krt15+ cells might represent a radio-resistant subpopulation of Lgr5+ cells and highlighted their potential as targets for cancer therapy.