Fusion between Hematopoietic and Epithelial Cells in Adult Human Intestine

Alain D. Silk, Charles E. Gast, Paige S. Davies, Farnaz D. Fakhari, Gretchen E. Vanderbeek, Motomi Mori, Melissa H. Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Following transplantation of hematopoietic lineage cells, genetic markers unique to the transplanted cells have been detected in non-hematopoietic recipient cells of human liver, vascular endothelium, intestinal epithelium and brain. The underlying mechanisms by which this occurs are unclear. Evidence from mice suggests it is due in part to fusion between cells of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origins; however, direct evidence for this in humans is scant. Here, by quantitative and statistical analysis of X- and Y-chromosome numbers in epithelial and non-epithelial intestinal cells from gender-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplant patients, we provide evidence that transplanted cells of the hematopoietic lineage incorporate into human intestinal epithelium through cell fusion. This is the first definitive identification of cell fusion between hematopoietic cells and any epithelial cell type in humans, and provides the basis for further understanding the physiological and potential pathological consequences of cell fusion in humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere55572
JournalPloS one
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 30 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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