****** Shedding the outer layer of the intestine, also known as intestinal epithelial cells, is normal and actually quite healthy. Abnormalities in the outer lining, however, can cause diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. For those suffering from diseases such as Crohn's or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the symptoms can be embarrasing and difficult to deal with. New research is helping doctors understand the role of the intestinal l lining and hopefully better treatment for those inflammatory bowel diseases. Researchers at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles (CHLA) decided to take a more in-depth analysis of the various epithelial cell pathways. One of the main things the researchers analyzed was how the shedding and regeneration of the epithelial cells are controlled within a healthy intestinal tract