Epithelial integrity, junctional complexes, and biomarkers associated with intestinal functions

39Citations
Citations of this article
58Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

An intact intestinal barrier is crucial for immune homeostasis and its impairment activates the immune system and may result in chronic inflammation. The epithelial cells of the intestinal barrier are connected by tight junctions, which form an anastomosing network sealing adjacent epithelial cells. Tight junctions are composed of transmembrane and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins. Transmembrane tight junction proteins at the apical-lateral membrane of the cell consist of occludin, claudins, junctional adhesion molecules, and tricellulin. Cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins, including zonula occludens, cingulin and afadin, provide a direct link between transmembrane tight junction proteins and the intracellular cytoskeleton. Each individual component of the tight junction network closely interacts with each other to form an efficient intestinal barrier. This review aims to describe the molecular structure of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins and to characterize their organization and interaction. Moreover, clinically important biomarkers associated with impairment of gastrointestinal integrity are discussed.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Alizadeh, A., Akbari, P., Garssen, J., Fink-Gremmels, J., & Braber, S. (2022). Epithelial integrity, junctional complexes, and biomarkers associated with intestinal functions. Tissue Barriers. Taylor and Francis Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1080/21688370.2021.1996830

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free