RESEARCH
[Publication]Niche-preserving transplantation promotes functional engraftment of intestinal organoids in rat short bowel syndrome
January 8, 2026
Credits: WPI-Bio2Q
Co-authored by Bio2Q and Keio University researchers, this study demonstrates a niche-preserving transplantation strategy that enables highly efficient engraftment of intestinal organoids in the small intestine. These researchers show that restoring ileal epithelial function within the jejunum improves bile acid absorption and survival in a rat model of short bowel syndrome, highlighting the therapeutic potential of region-targeted regenerative approaches.
| Titile | Niche-preserving transplantation promotes functional engraftment of intestinal organoids in rat short bowel syndrome |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ryoma Endo [1],[2], Shinya Sugimoto [1],[3], Yutaro Kuwashima [1],[4],[8], Mami Matano [1], Hikaru Hanyu [1], Sirirat Takahashi [1], Hirochika Kato [1],[5], Taku Tanaka [1], Andreas Michael Sihombing [1], Koji Shirosaki [1],[6], Yoshiko Hatano [1], Yuki Sugiura [7],[8], Takanori Kanai [3],[8], Motoshi Wada [2], Toshiro Sato [1], [8],[9] |
| Short Description | This study, co-authored by researchers from both Bio2Q and Keio University, demonstrates how preserving the intestinal stem cell niche can enable functional transplantation of intestinal organoids to treat short bowel syndrome (SBS), a life-threatening condition caused by extensive loss of the small intestine. SBS outcomes depend on ileal function, yet current treatments cannot fully restore the ileum’s absorptive capabilities. Here, researchers developed a niche-preserving epithelial removal method that clears native intestinal stem cells while maintaining the stromal environment. This allowed transplanted ileal organoids to engraft within the jejunum, creating an “ilealized” segment of intestine. In a rat model of SBS, this restored bile acid absorption and improved lipid handling lead to gains in body weight and survival. By directly linking niche preservation to successful stem cell engraftment, this study establishes functional epithelial replacement as a viable therapeutic strategy, and positions organoid transplantation as a promising avenue for treating SBS and other malabsorptive disorders |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.stem.2025.12.007 |
| Journal | Cell Stem Cell |
| Vol/Num/Page | 33, 1-9 |
| Publication Date | 2025 December 29. |
Affiliations:
[1] Department of Integrated Medicine and Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
[2] Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
[3] Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
[4] Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
[5] Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
[6] Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
[7] Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
[8] Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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