Microbiota and Gut Stem Cells Cross-Talks: A New View of Epithelial Homeostasis

The relationship between gut microbiota and the host is symbiotic and mutualistic. Gut microbiota has been shown to influence many aspects of host biology, including metabolism, development, and immunity. Due to the close proximity of the microbes to epithelial surfaces, this barrier represents the primary gateway for potential interactions. Alterations in the balance between gut microbiota and host are now clearly recognized as an influencing factor in the cause of a wide range of intestinal diseases. It is therefore important to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating signals that gut microbiota provides to intestinal epithelial cells. In this context, it is expected that an important role is to be played by intestinal stem cells in their role in epithelial regeneration, homeostasis post-damage repair.