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Expression of Musashi-1 in Human Normal Colon Crypt Cells: A Possible Stem Cell Marker of Human Colon Epithelium

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Abstract

Musashi has been identified as an RNA-binding protein thought to be involved in asymmetric divisions during Drosophila neural development. To analyze expression patterns of mammalian Musashi homolog Musashi-1 in human normal colon crypt, 155 colon crypts separated from biopsy specimens of normal colonic mucosa were evaluated. Specimens were fixed, microdissected to isolate a few crypts, immunostained with anti-Musashi-1 antibody (14H1), and examined under confocal laser scan microscopy. The number of Musashi-1-positive cells in each crypt was 19.0 ± 7.53 (mean ± SD). Most Musashi-1 positive cells were located at the crypt base, between cell positions 1 and 10. Distribution of Musashi-1-positive cells corresponded with that of stem cells, as outlined in previous reports, implying that Musashi-1 is a key control element of asymmetrical division within the colon crypt. This is the first report outlining expression of Musashi-1 in human colon crypt cells.

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Nishimura, S., Wakabayashi, N., Toyoda, K. et al. Expression of Musashi-1 in Human Normal Colon Crypt Cells: A Possible Stem Cell Marker of Human Colon Epithelium. Dig Dis Sci 48, 1523–1529 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024763723240

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