Enteroendocrine cells are
terminally differentiated cells, which together with Goblet cells and Paneth cells constitute the secretory cell types in the small intestine lineages whilst 90% of the healthy epithelium is lined by absorptive columnar cells.
The scientists describe important details about the structure of the transcription factor Oct4, known to play a crucial role in the reprogramming of
terminally differentiated cells. The study broadens the knowledge about the reprogramming of cells and may pave the way for medical applications in the field of regenerative medicine and drug discovery.
Second, stem cells undergo lineage commitment and differentiation, giving rise to more differentiated progenitors, precursor cells, and ultimately
terminally differentiated cells.