Intestinal barrier function: Molecular regulation and disease pathogenesis
The intestinal epithelium is a single-cell layer that constitutes the largest and most important barrier against the external environment. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, permitting the absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, and water while maintaining an effective defense against intraluminal toxins, antigens, and enteric flora. The epithelium maintains its selective barrier function through the formation of complex protein-protein networks that mechanically link adjacent cells and seal the intercellular space. The protein networks connecting epithelial cells form 3 adhesive complexes: desmosomes, adherens junctions, and tight junctions. These complexes consist of transmembrane proteins that interact extracellularly with adjacent cells and intracellularly with adaptor proteins...MedWorm Supporter Message: Find a vast selection of gluten free food and GF cookbooks at the Sensible Celiac.
http://www.jacionline.org/article/PIIS0091674909008641/abstract?rss=yes
