Environmental Perturbation and the Progressive Establishment of Intestinal Stem-Cell Dysfunction: A Hypothesis Linking Niche Resilience to Ageing

Abstract

This hypothesis article explores how environmental perturbations may contribute to age-associated intestinal stem cell dysfunction. It proposes that early alterations may initially be compensated by niche resilience, while repeated or prolonged stress may progressively reduce regenerative capacity and promote persistent dysfunction. Experimental approaches to test this model are proposed.