Interstitial Cells of Cajal—Origin, Distribution and Relationship with Gastrointestinal Tumors

Abstract

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) represent a particular network formed by some peculiar cells that were first described by the great neuroanatomist, S. Ramon y Cajal. Nowadays, the ICC have become a fascinating topic for scientists, arousing their curiosity; as a result, there is a vast number of published articles related to the ICC. Today, everybody widely accepts that the ICC represent the pacemaker of the gastrointestinal tract and are highly probable to be the origin cells for gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs). Recently, Cajal-like cells (ICLC) were described, which are found in different organs but with an as yet unknown physiological role that needs further study. New information regarding intestinal development indicates that the ICC (fibroblast-like and muscle-like) and intestinal muscle cells have the same common embryonic cells, thereby presenting the same cellular ultrastructure. Nowadays, there is a vast quantity of information that proves the connection of the ICC and GISTs. Both of them are known to present c-kit expression and the same ultrastructural cell features, which includes minimal myoid differentiation that is noticed in GISTs, therefore, supporting the hypothesis that GISTs are ICC-related tumors. In this review, we have tried to highlight the origin and distribution of Cajal interstitial cells based on their ultrastructural features as well as their relationship with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Increased epithelial mTORC1 activity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

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Superficial CD34+ fibroblastic tumor with focal atypical presentation: A case report

“…The exact functions of CD34 proteins remain complex and multifaceted. Researchers have proposed potential roles for CD34 in promoting cell proliferation and preventing cell differentiation (31). Thus, in SCPFT, CD34 maintains a high self-renewal capacity of fibroblasts, which means that they can continuously undergo cell division and generate more cells.…”

Comprehensive landscape-style investigation of the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at ST36 single acupoint on different systemic diseases

“…ICCs regulate gastrointestinal dynamics by generating and propagating slow waves and transmitting signals between ENS and smooth muscle cells and are considered specialized intestinal pacemaker cells, thus ICCs are associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders [ 89 , 90 ]. c-Kit is a specific marker for ICC identification and has a role in promoting ICC development and phenotype maintenance, and ICC and smooth muscle cells co-originate from c-Kit + primitive cells in the intestine [ 91 ]. Evidence suggests [ [75] , [76] , [77] ] that electroacupuncture at ST36 significantly increased c-Kit protein expression in a partial model of intestinal obstruction and neurogenic intestinal dysfunction, promoted differentiation of c-Kit positive precursor cells into ICC and facilitated the recovery of the ICC network.…”