Reaching for more: How reproduction transforms the maternal intestine

Cell. 2025 May 15;188(10):2567-2568. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.04.024.

Abstract

Several organs undergo changes during pregnancy to accommodate fetal growth, including the small intestine. However, the signals that trigger this intestinal remodeling are not well understood. In a recent study, Ameku et al. describe an anticipatory intestinal growth program that is partially irreversible and supported by SGLT3a-dependent increase of Fgfbp1-positive progenitor cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small* / metabolism
  • Intestines* / embryology
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism