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Background: Posterior capsular opacification is a major complication following cataract surgery, marked by proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrosis of residual epithelial cells. Various inflammatory cytokines are upregulated and contribute to the development of posterior capsular opacification. The effect of interleukin-8 on residual epithelial cells has not been fully determined., Methods: Aqueous humor and anterior capsules samples were collected from cataract surgery. Capsular bags from rats and pigs were cultured in DMEM media. Protein and mRNA expressions were measured using immunoblot and qPCR. Cell migration was assessed using the transwell assay., Results: Interleukin-8 is an early inflammatory factor secreted by residual lens epithelial cells. Migration of lens epithelial cells in aqueous humor positively correlates with interleukin-8 levels, and this effect is inhibited by the receptors of interleukin-8 CXCR1/2 blocker Reparaxin. The expression of tight-junction protein ZO-1 and cell-adhesion protein E-cadherin were down-regulated by administrating interleukin-8, and cell migration of both SRA01/04 cell line in vitro and capsular residual epithelial cells ex vivo were up-regulated via activating RhoA expression and RhoA/GTPase activity. The loss-of- function studies demonstrate that interleukin-8 binding to its receptor CXCR1/2 activates NF-κB/p65, which then turns on the RhoA's expression and RhoA/GTPase activity, and RhoA-modulated the downexpression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and the increase of cell migration., Conclusions: The upregulation in interleukin-8 occurs early in posterior capsular opacification and contributes to down-regulating tight-junctions among epithelial cells and elevates cell migration via the CXCR1/2-NF-κB-RhoA signaling pathway. These demonstrated that interleukin-8 could be a potential target for preventing posterior capsular opacification., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes a highly contagious disease that threatens the global swine industry. Recent studies have focused on the damage that PRRSV causes to the reproductive system of male pigs, although pathological research is lacking. Therefore, we examined the pathogenic mechanisms in male piglets infected with PRRSV. Gross and histopathological changes indicated that PRRSV affected the entire reproductive system, as confirmed via immunohistochemical analysis. PRRSV infected Sertoli cells and spermatogonia. To test the new hypothesis that PRRSV infection in piglets impairs blood - testis barrier (BTB) development, we investigated the pathology of PRRSV damage in the BTB. PRRSV infection significantly decreased the quantity and proliferative capacity of Sertoli cells constituting the BTB. Zonula occludens-1 and β-catenin were downregulated in cell - cell junctions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that several crucial genes and signalling pathways involved in the growth and development of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and tight junctions in the testes were downregulated. Apoptosis, necroptosis, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-related pathways were activated, whereas hormone secretion-related pathways were inhibited. Many Sertoli cells and spermatogonia underwent apoptosis during early differentiation. Infected piglets exhibited disrupted androgen secretion, leading to significantly reduced testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels. A cytokine storm occurred, notably upregulating cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Markers of oxidative-stress damage (i.e. H 2 O 2 , malondialdehyde, and glutathione) were upregulated, whereas antioxidant-enzyme activities (i.e. superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase) were downregulated. Our results demonstrated that PRRSV infected multiple organs in the male reproductive system, which impaired growth in the BTB.

Background/aims: The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with intestinal mucosal barrier damage. However, changes in the tight junction (TJ) proteins in IBS have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate TJ protein changes in IBS patients and the relationship between aging and disease severity., Methods: Thirty-six patients with IBS fulfilling the Rome IV criteria and twenty-four controls were included. To evaluate the change of TJ in the colonic mucosa, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed, respectively., Results: The entire IBS group (n = 36) exhibited decreased levels of claudin-1 and -2 mRNA compared to the control group (n = 24), with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Additionally, in western blot analyses, both claudin-1 and ZO-1 levels were significantly reduced in the IBS group compared to the control group (n = 24) (p < 0.05). IHC analysis further revealed that ZO-1 expression was significantly lower in the IBS group than in the control group (p < 0.001). This trend of reduced ZO-1 expression was also observed in the moderate-to-severe IBS subgroup (p < 0.001). Significantly, ZO-1 expression was notably lower in both the young- (p = 0.036) and old-aged (p = 0.039) IBS groups compared to their respective age-matched control groups. Subtype analysis indicated a more pronounced decrease in ZO-1 expression with advancing age., Conclusion: ZO-1 expression was especially decreased in the aged IBS group. These results suggest that ZO-1 might be the prominent TJ protein causing IBS in the aging population.

Intestinal development has a crucial role in the absorption of nutrients and the ability to resist infections in the early stages of life. This study utilized a 3-week-old C57BL/6 mice model to evaluate the beneficial impacts of sulfated fucans from Saccharina japonica (SJ-FUC) on the growth and development of the intestines. SJ-FUC enhanced the dimensions of the intestine, specifically the length, height of villi, and depth of the crypts. Additionally, it raised the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, hence enhancing the structural integrity of the intestinal epithelium. SJ-FUC significantly increased mRNA expression of Lyz1, Muc2, and Math1, which resulted in the promotion of intestinal epithelial development. Furthermore, SJ-FUC augmented the mRNA levels of the ISC markers (Lgr5, Olfm4, and Ascl2). Our further research uncovered that SJ-FUC has a positive impact on the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, Dubosiella, and Lactobacillus, which in turn promotes epithelial development of the intestine. In summary, our research indicates that SJ-FUC has a beneficial impact on the growth of the intestines in young mice. This is achieved by enhancing the stemness of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and promoting the formation of the intestinal epithelium through the regulation of gut bacteria., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

IBD, an autoimmune-inflammatory disorder that affects people who are genetically prone to inflammation. There is a lot of interest in MSC-CM therapy, especially when primed with TNF-α + IFN-γ. Throughout the study, data were collected on the percentage of apoptotic cells, gene expression of ZO-1, Foxp3, GATA3, IDO-1, Muc2, T-bet, Notch1, TNFR2, and ROR-γt, colon weight and length, histopathological analysis, and DAI. TNF-α and IL-10 levels were assessed in addition to the NO level. The results suggest that primed MSC-CM improved DAI, mucosal deterioration, intestinal inflammation and NO concentration. The amount of TNF-α was decreased, but IL-10 and the colon's percentage of apoptotic cells was increased. The mRNA expression of ZO-1, Foxp3, GATA3, IDO-1, and Muc2 genes increased greatly in the treatment groups, while the expression of T-bet, Notch1, TNFR2, and ROR-γt genes has decreased. These studies suggest that primed MSC-CM may combine with common treatments to improve responsiveness., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Metabolic syndrome and diabetes in obese individuals are strong risk factors for development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. The pathogenic mechanisms of low-grade metabolic inflammation, including chronic hyperglycemic stress, in disrupting gut homeostasis are poorly understood. In this study, we sought to understand the impact of a hyperglycemic environment on intestinal barrier integrity and the protective effects of small molecular weight (35 kDa) hyaluronan on epithelial barrier function., Methods: Intestinal organoids derived from mouse colon were grown in normal glucose media (5 mM) or high glucose media (25 mM) to study the impact of hyperglycemic stress on the intestinal barrier. Additionally, organoids were pretreated with 35 kDa hyaluronan (HA35) to investigate the effect of hyaluronan on epithelial barrier under high glucose stress. Immunoblotting as well as confocal imaging was used to understand changes in barrier proteins, quantitative as well as spatial distribution, respectively. Alterations in barrier function were measured using trans-epithelial electrical resistance and fluorescein isothiocyanate flux assays. Untargeted proteomics analysis was performed to elucidate mechanisms by which HA35 exerts a protective effect on the barrier. Intestinal organoids derived from receptor knockout mice specific to various HA receptors were utilized to understand the role of HA receptors in barrier protection under high glucose conditions., Results: We found that high glucose stress decreased the protein expression as well as spatial distribution of two key barrier proteins, zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. HA35 prevented the degradation or loss of ZO-1 and maintained the spatial distribution of both ZO-1 and occludin under hyperglycemic stress. Functionally, we also observed a protective effect of HA35 on the epithelial barrier under high glucose conditions. We found that HA receptor, layilin, was involved in preventing barrier protein loss (ZO-1) as well as maintaining spatial distribution of ZO-1 and occludin. Additionally, proteomics analysis showed that cell death and survival was the primary pathway upregulated in organoids treated with HA35 under high glucose stress. We found that XIAP associated factor 1 (Xaf1) was modulated by HA35 thereby regulating apoptotic cell death in the intestinal organoid system. Finally, we observed that spatial organization of both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as well as F-actin was mediated by HA35 via layilin., Conclusion: Our results highlight the impact of hyperglycemic stress on the intestinal barrier function. This is of clinical relevance, as impaired barrier function has been observed in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, we demonstrate barrier protective effects of HA35 through its receptor layilin and modulation of cellular apoptosis under high glucose stress., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

A long-term exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) alters the integrity of airway epithelial barrier, contributes to lung dysfunction, and elicits the expression and activity of lung cathepsin S (CatS), a cysteine protease that participates in the remodeling of connective tissue and cell junctions. Here, we observed that a short-term (4 days) exposure of mice to CS increased the expression and activity of CatS, while the expression level of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), an epithelial tight junction protein that stabilizes barrier assembly, was reduced in lung tissue lysates. Present data support that proteolytically active CatS may contribute to the defect of ZO-1 in CS-exposed mice., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.)

The liver is a complex organ with a highly organized structure in which tight junctions (TJs) play an important role in maintaining their function by regulating barrier properties and cellular polarity. Dysfunction of TJs is associated with liver diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). In this study, we investigated the molecular alterations in a liver-specific ZO-1 and ZO-2 double-knockout (DKO) mouse model, which exhibits features resembling those of PFIC4 patients with mutations in the ZO-2 gene. RNA-seq analysis revealed the upregulation of genes involved in the oxidative stress response, xenobiotic metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism in DKO livers. Conversely, the expression of genes regulated by HNF4α was lower in DKO livers than in the wild-type controls. Furthermore, age-associated analysis elucidated the timing and progression of these pathway changes as well as alterations in molecules related to TJs and apical polarity. Our research uncovered previously unknown implications of ZO-1 and ZO-2 in liver physiology and provides new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of PFIC4 and other tight junction-related liver diseases. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying liver function and dysfunction and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for liver diseases associated with tight junction impairment.Key words: tight junctions, ZO-1/ZO-2 knockout mouse, liver, transcriptome analysis, molecular pathological progression.

Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a natural flavonoid compound, are believed to prevent inflammatory response, dealing with pathogens and repairing the intestinal barrier. The objective of this study was to investigate whether DMY supplementation could attenuate intestinal damage in the context of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC F4 + ) infection. After weaning, different litters of pigs were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: (1) non-challenged control (CON, fed with basal diet); (2) ETEC-challenged control (ECON, fed with basal diet); and (3) ETEC challenge + DMY treatment (EDMY, fed with basal diet plus 300 mg kg -1 DMY). We observed a significant reduction in fecal Escherichia coli shedding and diarrhea incidence, but an increase in ADG in pigs of EDMY group compared to the pigs of ECON group. Relative to the pigs of ECON group, dietary DMY treatment decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of the serum D-xylose, D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO), but increased the abundance of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum of pigs. In addition, DMY also decreased (P < 0.05) the number of S-phase cells and the percentage of total apoptotic epithelial cells of jejunal epithelium in pigs of the EDMY group compared to the pigs of the ECON group. Furthermore, DMY decreased the mRNA expression levels of critical immune-associated genes TLR4, NFκB, Caspase3, Caspase9, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the protein p-NFκB and p-IκBα expressions of intestinal epithelium in pigs of the EDMY group compared to the pigs of the ECON group. Compared to the ECON group, DMY elevated (P < 0.05) the expression levels of β-defensins PBD1, PBD2, PBD3, PBD129, as well as the abundance of secreted IgA in intestinal mucosae of the EDMY group. Thus, our results indicate that DMY may relieve intestinal integrity damage due to Escherichia coli F4., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cadmium is a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases and highly toxic to vascular endothelial cells. It has a distinct mode of injury, causing the de-endothelialization of regions in the monolayer structure of endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the specific molecules involved in the cadmium toxicity of endothelial cells remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific molecular mechanisms through which cadmium affects endothelial detachment. Cadmium inhibited the expression of claudin-5 and zonula occludens (ZO)-1, which are components of tight junctions (strongest contributors to intercellular adhesion), in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Compared to arsenite, zinc, and manganese, only cadmium suppressed the expression of both claudin-5 and ZO-1 molecules. Moreover, the knockdown of claudin-5 and ZO-1 exacerbated cadmium-induced endothelial cell injury and expansion of the detachment area, whereas their overexpression reversed these effects. CRE-binding protein inhibition reduced cadmium toxicity, suggesting that CRE-binding protein activation is involved in the cadmium-induced inhibition of claudin-5 and ZO-1 expression and endothelial detachment. These findings provide new insights into the toxicological mechanisms of cadmium-induced endothelial injury and risk of cardiovascular disease.

The gram-negative bacterium lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is frequently administered to generate models of systemic inflammation. However, there are several side effects and no effective treatment for LPS-induced systemic inflammation. PEGylated PDZ peptide based on zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was analyzed for its effects on systemic inflammation induced by LPS. PDZ peptide administration led to the restoration of tissue injuries (kidney, liver, and lung) and prevented alterations in biochemical plasma markers. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly decreased in the plasma and lung BALF in the PDZ-administered mice. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the PDZ peptide significantly inhibited inflammation, mainly by decreasing the population of M1 macrophages, and neutrophils (immature and mature), and increasing M2 macrophages. Using RNA sequencing analysis, the expression levels of the NF-κB-related proteins were lower in PDZ-treated cells than in LPS-treated cells. In addition, wild-type PDZ peptide significantly increased mitochondrial membrane integrity and decreased LPS-induced mitochondria fission. Interestingly, PDZ peptide dramatically could reduce LPS-induced NF-κB signaling, ROS production, and the expression of M1 macrophage marker proteins, but increased the expression of M2 macrophage marker proteins. These results indicated that PEGylated PDZ peptide inhibits LPS-induced systemic inflammation, reducing tissue injuries and reestablishing homeostasis, and may be a therapeutic candidate against systemic inflammation., Competing Interests: HL, SP, HJ, GS, SL, JK, JS, YP, KS No competing interests declared, (© 2024, Lee, Park et al.)

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Huaiyu pill (, HYP) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated., Methods: To establish the IBD model, mice were administered with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Mice were intragastrically pre-treated with sulfasalazine (SASP) and HYP. Disease activity index (DAI) and colon length were monitored, and the colonic tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining. Pro-inflammatory factors and vascular inflammation-related proteins were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The potential mechanisms of HYP were examined using network pharmacology analysis.The expressions of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin, toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MYD88), and nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (NF-κB p65) in colon tissues were examined using Western blotting or immunohistochemical analyses., Results: Pre-treatment with HYP enhanced the colon length, decreased DAI scores, and mitigated histopathological alterations in DSS-treated mice. HYP alleviated intestinal inflammation by downregulating the levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 17 (IL-17). Additionally, HYP suppressed the disruption of the gut barrier by upregulating the ZO-1, occludin, and mucin 2 (MUC2) levels and downregulating the endothelin 1 (ET-1) and erythropoietin (EPO) levels. Network pharmacological analysis and experimental results revealed that HYP downregulated the colonic tissue levels of TLR4, MYD88, and NF-κB p65 in DSS-treated mice., Conclusion: This study investigated the in vivo therapeutic effects of HYP on IBD and the underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings provide an experimental foundation for the clinical application of HYP.

SGEF (also known as ARHGEF26), a RhoG specific GEF, can form a ternary complex with the Scribble polarity complex proteins Scribble and Dlg1, which regulates the formation and maintenance of adherens junctions and barrier function of epithelial cells. Notably, silencing SGEF results in a dramatic downregulation of both E-cadherin and ZO-1 (also known as TJP1) protein levels. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this pathway are not known. Here, we describe a novel signaling pathway governed by the Scribble-SGEF-Dlg1 complex. Our results show that the three members of the ternary complex are required to maintain the stability of the apical junctions, ZO-1 protein levels and tight junction (TJ) permeability. In contrast, only SGEF is necessary to regulate E-cadherin levels. The absence of SGEF destabilizes the E-cadherin-catenin complex at the membrane, triggering a positive feedback loop that exacerbates the phenotype through the repression of E-cadherin transcription in a process that involves the internalization of E-cadherin by endocytosis, β-catenin signaling and the transcriptional repressor Slug (also known as SNAI2)., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Confluent populations of the epithelial cell line, MDCK II, develop circumferential tight junctions joining adjacent cells to create a barrier to the paracellular movement of solutes and water. Treatment of MDCK II cell populations from the apical surface with 1 mM Na-caprate increased permeability to macromolecules (Leak Pathway) without increasing monolayer disruption or cell death. Graphical analysis of the apparent permeability versus solute Stokes radius for a size range of fluorescein-dextran species indicates apical 1 mM Na-caprate enhances Leak Pathway permeability by increasing the number of Leak Pathway openings without significantly affecting opening size. Na-caprate treatment did not alter the content of any tight junction protein examined. Treatment of MDCK II cell populations with apical 1 mM Na-caprate disrupted basal F-actin stress fibers and decreased the tortuosity of the tight junctions. Treatment of MDCK II cell populations with blebbistatin, a myosin ATPase inhibitor, alone had little effect on Leak Pathway permeability but synergistically increased Leak Pathway permeability when added with 1 mM Na-caprate. Na-caprate exhibited a similar ability to increase Leak Pathway permeability in wild-type MDCK II cell monolayers and ZO-1 knockdown MDCK II cell monolayers but an enhanced ability to increase Leak Pathway permeability in monolayers of TOCA-1 knockout MDCK II cells. These results demonstrate that Na-caprate increases MDCK II cell population Leak Pathway permeability by increasing the number of Leak Pathway openings. This action is likely mediated by alterations in F-actin organization, primarily involving disruption of basal F-actin stress fibers. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study determines the underlying change in the openings in the epithelial tight junction permeability barrier structure that leads to a change in the paracellular permeability to macromolecules (the Leak Pathway) and connects this to disruption of specific F-actin structures within the cells. It provides important and novel insights into how tight junction permeability to macromolecules is modulated by specific changes to cellular and tight junction composition/organization.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Cdk1/p53/p21 feedback loop in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS)., Materials and Methods: An IC/BPS cell model was established. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess cell apoptosis rates. ELISA was employed to measure secretion levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). Gene expressions were assessed using PCR, while protein expressions were analyzed through Western blotting analysis. Epithelial permeability was demonstrated using the phenol red leakage experiment and FITC-dextran permeability assay. The interaction between proteins was determined using co-immunoprecipitation, and protein localization was investigated using immunofluorescence., Results: The CCK-8 assay revealed a significantly reduced viability of IC/BPS cells compared to normal epithelial cells (p < 0.05). Elevated levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were detected in IC/BPS cells. Changes in the expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were evident, leading to increased epithelial permeability in IC/BPS cells. Furthermore, within IC/BPS cells, Cdk1 phosphorylated p53 in the nucleus. The Cdk1/p53/p21 feedback loop was established to influence urothelial permeability. Both p21 and Cdk1 inhibitors notably reduced the epithelial permeability in IC/BPS cells., Conclusion: The Cdk1/p53/p21 feedback loop was instrumental in IC/BPS, acting as a regulator of urothelial permeability. This discovery offered a novel therapeutic approach for IC/BPS management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: This work was supported by the Funding from Young Talent Development Plan of Changzhou Health Commission (CZQM2021004) and The Youth Talent Science and Technology Project of Changzhou Health Commission (QN202307)., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Although bitter receptors, known as Tas2Rs, have been identified in the testes and mature sperm, their expression in testicular Sertoli cells (SCs) and their role in recognizing harmful substances to maintain the immune microenvironment remain unknown. To explore their potential function in spermatogenesis, this study utilized TM4 cells and discovered the high expression of the bitter receptor Tas2R143 in the cells. Interestingly, when the Tas2R143 gene was knocked down for 24 and 48 h, there was a significant downregulation (P < 0.05) in the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) and NF-κB. Additionally, Western blot results demonstrated that the siRNA-133+NF-κB co-treatment group displayed a significant downregulation (P < 0.05) in the expression of occludin and ZO-1 compared to both the siRNA-133 transfection group and the NF-κB inhibitors treatment group. These findings suggest that Tas2R143 likely regulates the expression of occludin and ZO-1 through the NF-κB signaling pathway and provides a theoretical basis for studying the regulatory mechanism of bitter receptors in the reproductive system, aiming to attract attention to the chemical perception mechanism of spermatogenesis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Choroideremia (CHM) is a rare X-linked chorioretinal dystrophy causing progressive vision loss due to mutations in the CHM gene, leading to Rab escort protein 1 loss of function. CHM disease is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the choroid, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and the retina. The RPE is a monolayer of polarized cells that supports photoreceptors, providing nutrients, growth factors, and ions, and removes retinal metabolism waste products, having a central role in CHM pathogenesis. Commonly used models such as ARPE-19 cells do not reproduce accurately the nature of RPE cells. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be differentiated into RPE cells (hiPSC-RPE), which mimic key features of native RPE, being more suited to study retinal diseases. Therefore, we took advantage of hiPSCs to generate new human-based CHM models. Two isogenic hiPSC lines were generated through CRISPR/Cas9: a CHM knock-out line from a healthy donor and a corrected CHM patient line using a knock-in approach. The differentiated hiPSC-RPE lines exhibited critical morphological and physiological characteristics of native RPE, including the presence of the tight junction markers Claudin-19 and Zonula Occludens-1, phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, pigmentation, a postmitotic state, and the characteristic polygonal shape. In addition, all the studied cells were able to form retinal organoids. This work resulted in the establishment of isogenic hiPSC lines, representing a new and important CHM cellular model. To our knowledge, this is the first time that isogenic cell lines have been developed to model CHM disease, providing a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms at the onset of RPE degeneration.

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and is a chronic oxidative stress-related ocular disease. Few treatments are approved for early DR. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the retinal micro-vasculopathy induced by diabetes and to explore an early potential for treating early DR in a mouse model. The mouse model of type 1 diabetes was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 180 mg/kg), which was used as the early DR model. The body weight and blood glucose mice were measured regularly; The retinal vascular leakage in the early DR mice was determined by whole-mount staining; Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis and bioinformatics were used to explore the target proteins and signaling pathways associated with the retinal tissues of early DR mice; To detect the effects of target protein on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, knockdown and overexpression of VEGF-B were performed in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs); Western blotting was used to detect the expression of target proteins in vitro and in vivo; Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of VEGF-B on vascular leakage has also been evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B and the Rho GTPases family member CDC42 were reduced in the retinal tissues of early DR. VEGF-B upregulated the expression of CDC42/ZO1/VE-cadherin and prevented hyperglycemia-induced vascular leakage in HRECs. Standard intravitreal VEGF-B injections improved the retinal vascular leakage and neurovascular response in early DR mice. Our findings demonstrated, for the first time, that in diabetes, the retinal vessels are damaged due to decreased VEGF-B expression through downregulation of CDC42/ZO1/VE-cadherin expression. Therefore, VEGF-B could be used as a novel therapy for early DR., (© 2024 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.)

Adequate extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion into the maternal decidua is important for human placental development. We identified that E2F transcription factor 8 (E2F8) suppresses EVT invasion, and that tight junction protein-1 (TJP1) is a potential downstream target gene of E2F8. We investigated the role of TJP1 in the human placenta and regulation of TJP1 expression by E2F8. TJP1 expression decreased in E2F8 knockdown HTR-8/SVneo cells. TJP1 and E2F8 were co-expressed in villi in the first-trimester placenta and in EVTs and villi in the third-trimester placenta. TJP1 was significantly increased in the pre-eclamptic compared with control placenta. TJP1 knockdown increased the invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, while TJP1 overexpression inhibited cell invasion. Halo-E2F8 overexpression significantly increased TJP1 expression and TJP1 transcription compared with control placenta. Our findings suggest that E2F8 promotes TJP1 transcription, and that TJP1 expression by E2F8 inhibits EVT invasion. TJP1 and E2F8 may be related to pre-eclampsia pathogenesis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-largest cancer worldwide. Lactobacillus can regulate the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. However, the mechanisms of Lactobacillus that alleviate CRC remained unknown. This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on CRC and its potential mechanism. CCFM8661 treatment significantly ameliorated CRC compared with phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) treatment in Apc Min/+ mice. In addition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was proved to be the key metabolite for CCFM8661 in ameliorating CRC by molecular biology techniques. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) was proved to be the key receptor in ameliorating CRC by inhibitor intervention experiments. Moreover, supplementation with CCFM8661 ameliorated CRC by producing CLA to inhibit NF-κB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines, up-regulate ZO-1, Claudin-1, and MUC2, and promote tumor cell apoptosis in a PPAR-γ-dependent manner. Metagenomic analysis showed that CCFM8661 treatment significantly increased Odoribacter splanchnicus , which could ameliorate CRC by repairing the intestinal barrier. Clinical results showed that intestinal CLA, butyric acid, PPAR-γ, and Lactobacillus were significantly decreased in CRC patients, and these indicators were significantly negatively correlated with CRC. CCFM8661 alleviated CRC by ameliorating the intestinal barrier through the CLA-PPAR-γ axis. These results will promote the development of dietary probiotic supplements for CRC.

The integrity of the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) is essential for inner ear homeostasis, regulating the ionic composition of endolymph and perilymph and preventing harmful substance entry. Endothelial hyperpermeability, central in inflammatory and immune responses, is managed through complex intercellular communication and molecular signaling pathways. Recent studies link BLB permeability dysregulation to auditory pathologies like acoustic trauma, autoimmune inner ear diseases, and presbycusis. Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), or neutrophils, significantly modulate vascular permeability, impacting endothelial barrier properties. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in diseases with autoimmune and autoinflammatory bases. The present study evaluated the impact of NETs on a BLB cellular model using a Transwell ® setup. Our findings revealed a concentration-dependent impact of NETs on human inner ear-derived endothelial cells. In particular, endothelial permeability markers increased, as indicated by reduced transepithelial electrical resistance, enhanced dextran permeability, and downregulated junctional gene expression ( ZO1 , OCL , and CDH5 ). Changes in cytoskeletal architecture were also observed. These preliminary results pave the way for further research into the potential involvement of NETs in BLB impairment and implications for auditory disorders.

Background: Imbalanced intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier contribute to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) plays a crucial role in repairing intestinal damage and reducing inflammation., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of AI-2 on the expression of intestinal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin proteins in NEC. We evaluated its effects in vivo using NEC mice and in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated intestinal cells., Methods: Pathological changes in the intestines of neonatal mice were assessed using histological staining and scoring. Cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine the optimal conditions for LPS and AI-2 interventions. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), protease activated receptor-2 (PAR2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Protein levels of MMP3, PAR2, ZO-1, and occludin were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence., Results: AI-2 alleviated NEC-induced intestinal damage (P < 0.05) and enhanced the proliferation of damaged IEC-6 cells (P < 0.05). AI-2 intervention reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of MMP3 and PAR2 in intestinal tissue and cells (P < 0.05). Additionally, it increased the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P < 0.05), while reducing IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: AI-2 intervention enhances the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin), mitigates intestinal damage in NEC neonatal mice and IEC-6 cells, potentially by modulating PAR2 and MMP3 signaling. AI-2 holds promise as a protective intervention for NEC. AI-2 plays a crucial role in repairing intestinal damage and reducing inflammation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease associated with persistent inflammation. Animal studies proved the efficacy of metformin in UC., Aim: To investigate the potential role of metformin and its protective pathways in patients with UC., Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, and double-blinded clinical trial that included 60 participants with mild to moderate UC and was divided randomly into two groups (n = 30). For 6 months, the mesalamine group received 1 g of mesalamine three times daily (t.i.d.). For six months, the metformin group received mesalamine 1 g t.i.d. and metformin 500 mg twice daily. A gastroenterologist evaluated patients at baseline and 6 months after starting the treatment in order to measure serum levels of zonulin, sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Biopsies from the colon were used to measure gene expression of zonula occuldin-1 (ZO-1), signal transducer and activator of factor-3 (STAT-3), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and partial Mayo score were also assessed for each patient., Results: When compared to the mesalamine group, the metformin group demonstrated a statistical decrease in serum IL-6, zonulin, TNF-α, SIP, gene expression of ICAM-1 and STAT-3, and a significant increase in colonic ZO-1 when compared to the mesalamine group. The metformin group also showed a significant decrease in NRS and partial Mayo score index in comparison with the mesalamine group., Conclusion: Metformin may be a promising additional therapy for UC patients. Trial registration identifier: NCT05553704., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Diabetes is associated with increased oxidative stress, leading to altered tight junction formation and increased apoptosis in colonic epithelial cells. These changes may lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction and corresponding gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes, including diarrhea. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect and mechanism of Resolvin D1 (RvD1) on diabetes-induced oxidative stress and barrier disruption in the colon. Mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated with RvD1 for 2 weeks, then evaluated for stool frequency, stool water content, gut permeability, and colonic transepithelial electrical resistance as well as production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and expression of tight junction proteins Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin. The same parameters were assessed in human colonoid cultures subjected to elevated glucose. We found that RvD1 treatment did not affect blood glucose, but normalized stool water content and prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction, epithelial oxidative stress, and apoptosis. RvD1 also restored ZO-1 and occludin expression in diabetic mice. RvD1 treatment increased phosphorylation of Akt and was accompanied by a 3.5-fold increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the epithelial cells. The protective effects of RvD1 were blocked by ZnPP, a competitive inhibitor of HO-1. Similar findings were observed in RvD1-treated human colonoid cultures subjected to elevated glucose. In conclusion, Oxidative stress in diabetes results in mucosal barrier dysfunction, contributing to the development of diabetic diarrhea. Resolvins prevent ROS-mediated mucosal injury and protect gut barrier function by intracellular PI3K/Akt activation and subsequent HO-1 upregulation in intestinal epithelial cells. These actions result in normalizing stool frequency and stool water content in diabetic mice, suggesting that resolvins may be useful in the treatment of diabetic diarrhea., (© 2024 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)

Despite of yet unknown mechanism, microvascular deposition of oligomeric Tau (oTau) has been implicated in alteration of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. In this study, we employed an in vitro BBB model using primary mouse cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) to investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of oTau on BBB function. We found that exposing CECs to oTau induced oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase, increased oxidative damage to proteins, decreased proteasome activity, and expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins including occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5. These effects were suppressed by the pretreatment with Fasudil, a RhoA/ROCK signaling inhibitor. Consistent with the biochemical alterations, we found that exposing the basolateral side of CECs to oTau in the BBB model disrupted the integrity of the BBB, as indicated by an increase in FITC-dextran transport across the model, and a decrease in trans endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). oTau also increased the transmigration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the BBB model. These functional alterations in the BBB induced by oTau were also suppressed by Fasudil. Taken together, our findings suggest that targeting the RhoA/ROCK pathway can be a potential therapeutic strategy to maintain BBB function in AD., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is associated with obesity and is one of its pathogenetic mechanisms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls, is the principal cause of CLGI. Studies have found that capsaicin significantly reduces the relative abundance of LPS-producing bacteria. In the present study, TRPV1 -knockout ( TRPV1 -/- ) C57BL/6J mice and the intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 ( TRPV1 -/- ) were used as models to determine the effect of capsaicin on CLGI and elucidate the mechanism by which it mediates weight loss in vivo and in vitro. We found that the intragastric administration of capsaicin significantly blunted increases in body weight, food intake, blood lipid, and blood glucose in TRPV1 -/- mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting an anti-obesity effect of capsaicin. Capsaicin reduced LPS levels in the intestine by reducing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria such as Helicobacter , Desulfovibrio, and Sutterella . Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) levels decreased following decreases in LPS levels. Then, the local inflammation of the intestine was reduced by reducing the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 mediated by TLR4. Attenuating local intestinal inflammation led to the increased expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin and the restoration of the intestinal barrier function. Capsaicin increased the expression of ZO-1 and occludin at the transcriptional and translational levels, thereby increasing trans-endothelial electrical resistance and restoring intestinal barrier function. The restoration of intestinal barrier function decreases intestinal permeability, which reduces the concentration of LPS entering the circulation, and reduced endotoxemia leads to decreased serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, thereby attenuating CLGI. This study sheds light on the anti-obesity effect of capsaicin and its mechanism by reducing CLGI, increasing our understanding of the anti-obesity effects of capsaicin. It has been confirmed that capsaicin can stimulate the expression of intestinal transmembrane protein ZO-1 and cytoplasmic protein occludin, increase the trans-epithelial electrical resistance value, and repair intestinal barrier function.

Background: The strong connection between gut microbes and human health has been confirmed by an increasing number of studies. Although probiotics have been found to relieve ulcerative colitis, the mechanism varies by the species involved. In this study, the physiological, immune and pathological factors of mice were measured and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms in preventing ulcerative colitis., Results: The results demonstrated that ingestion of Lactobacillus fermentum GLF-217 and Lactobacillus plantarum FLP-215 significantly alleviated ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), as evidenced by the increase in body weight, food intake, water intake and colon length as well as the decrease in disease activity index, histopathological score and inflammatory factor. Both strains not only improved intestinal mucosa by increasing mucin-2 and zonula occludens-1, but also improved the immune system response by elevating interleukin-10 levels and decreasing the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. Moreover, L. fermentum GLF-217 and L. plantarum FLP-215 play a role in preventing DSS-induced colitis by regulating the structure of gut microbiota and promoting the formation of short-chain fatty acids., Conclusions: This study may provide a reference for the prevention strategy of ulcerative colitis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

This study aims to explore the improvement effect of Sijunzi Decoction on intestinal barrier in diabetic mice. A type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) model was established in C57BL/6J mice by feeding them with high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ). The T2DM mice were randomly divided into a control group, a T2DM group, a donepezil(DON) group, a rosiglitazone(RGZ) group, and Sijunzi Decoction groups(7. 5, 15, and 30 g·kg~(-1)), and orally administered for six weeks. The body weight and fasting plasma glucose(FBG) of mice were recorded. Fasting plasma insulin(FINS) and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) were observed to assess insulin resistance(IR). Intestinal flora and levels of serotonin(5-HT), lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in serum were analyzed. Changes in colonic structure and tight junction proteins occludin, claudin-1,and ZO-1 were observed through HE staining and immunohistochemistry. Spontaneous alternation test was conducted to observe the effect on spatial memory ability. Compared with the results in the control group, FBG and HOMA-IR in the T2DM group were significantly increased(P&lt; 0. 01); species richness index(Sobs index), Shannon diversity index(Shannon index), and species abundance estimate index(Chao index) were decreased; LPS was significantly increased(P&lt; 0. 001), while the levels of 5-HT,SCFAs, occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1 were significantly decreased(P&lt; 0. 01), indicating impaired colonic barrier function;spontaneous alternation accuracy was significantly decreased(P&lt;0. 05). After 6 weeks of Sijunzi Decoction treatment, compared with the results in the T2DM group, FBG and HOMA-IR in the Sijunzi Decoction 15 g·kg~(-1) group were significantly decreased(P&lt;0. 01);Sobs index, Shannon index, and Chao index were increased; LPS was significantly decreased(P&lt;0. 01), while the levels of 5-HT,SCFAs, occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1 were significantly increased(P&lt; 0. 05), indicating improved colonic barrier function;spontaneous alternation accuracy was increased(P&lt;0. 001). In conclusion, Sijunzi Decoction has the effect of improving intestinal barrier in diabetic mice.

This study explores the effects and mechanisms of Modified Xiaoyao Powder on the intestinal barrier and intestinal flora in mice with metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD) based on the &quot; gut-liver axis&quot;. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, bifidobacterium tetrad tablet group(SQ), and Modified Xiaoyao Powder groups with low,medium and high doses(XL, XM, XH), with 10 mice in each group. All the mice were administrated with a high-fat diet to build the MAFLD model except the normal group and then treated with related drugs for 12 weeks. Body mass, liver wet weight, and liver index were detected. Serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total cholesterol(TC), triacylglycerol(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)levels were detected using the biochemical kits. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin(IL-6) in the liver were tested simultaneously. The morphological changes of the liver and intestine were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. The goblet cells in the ileum were detected by periodic acid Schiff and alcian blue stain(AB-PAS) staining.The expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1), recombinant occludin(occludin), and recombinant claudin 1(claudin-1) in ileum and colon were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The changes of intestinal flora in mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that compared with the normal group, body weight, liver wet weight and liver index in the model group increased. The contents of TC, TG, ALT, AST, LDL-C, and LPS in the serum of the model group increased, while HDL-C decreased. Meanwhile, the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue increased and liver lipid accumulation increased, indicating successful model induction. Compared with the model group, body weight, liver wet weight, and liver index were decreased in XM,XH groups and SQ group. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT and AST in XM group and SQ group were significantly decreased,and HDL-C levels were increased. The levels of IL-6, TNF-α in liver tissue and serum LPS in the XL, XM groups and SQ group were significantly decreased. The protein expression of claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 in XL, XM groups and SQ group were increased. The analysis of intestinal flora showed that compared with the model group, Modified Xiaoyao Powder with a medium dose could significantly improve the richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice. At the phylum level, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes(F/B) ratio decreased; at the genus level, Lactobacillus, Brautella, Bacteroides, and Ackermannia increased, while Prevotella, Desulfovibrio and Turicibacter decreased. The main differential species were Odorbacteraceaeae and Peptostreptococcaceae. In conclusion, Modified Xiaoyao Powder could inhibit inflammation, regulate intestinal flora homeostasis, and promote the repair of the intestinal mucosal barrier in mice with MAFLD.

Scope: Diarrhea is a common health issue that contributes to a significant annual death rate among children and the elderly worldwide. The anti-diarrheal activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and tannic acid (TA), alone or combined, is examined, in addition to their effect on intestinal barrier integrity., Methods and Results: Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats are randomly assigned into seven groups: control, LGG alone, TA alone, diarrhea model, diarrhea+LGG, diarrhea+TA, and diarrhea+LGG+TA-treated groups. Diarrhea is induced by high-lactose diet (HLD) consumption. LGG (1x10 9 CFU/rat) and TA (100 mg Kg -1 d -1 ) were given orally 4 days after HLD feeding and continued for 10 days. Ileum specimens are processed for biochemical analysis of the local intestinal cytokines, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histological study. Also, immunohistochemistry-based identification of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) is performed. Compared to the diarrhea model group, both treatments maintain the intestinal mucosal structure and proliferative activity and preserve ZO-1 expression, with the combination group showing the maximal effect. However, LGG-treated diarrheic rats show a remarkable decrease in the intestinal tissue concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor Kappa beta (NF-κB); meanwhile, TA treatment leads to a selective decrease of interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1)., Conclusion: Individual LGG and TA treatments significantly alleviate diarrhea, probably through a selective immunomodulatory cytokine-dependent mechanism, while the combination of both synergistically maintains the intestinal mucosa by keeping the intestinal epithelial barrier function and regenerative capability., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Biomolecular condensates enable cell compartmentalization by acting as membraneless organelles 1 . How cells control the interactions of condensates with other cellular structures such as membranes to drive morphological transitions remains poorly understood. We discovered that formation of a tight-junction belt, which is essential for sealing epithelial tissues, is driven by a wetting phenomenon that promotes the growth of a condensed ZO-1 layer 2 around the apical membrane interface. Using temporal proximity proteomics in combination with imaging and thermodynamic theory, we found that the polarity protein PATJ mediates a transition of ZO-1 into a condensed surface layer that elongates around the apical interface. In line with the experimental observations, our theory of condensate growth shows that the speed of elongation depends on the binding affinity of ZO-1 to the apical interface and is constant. Here, using PATJ mutations, we show that ZO-1 interface binding is necessary and sufficient for tight-junction belt formation. Our results demonstrate how cells exploit the collective biophysical properties of protein condensates at membrane interfaces to shape mesoscale structures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

An exceptional expression of claudins (CLDNs), tight junction (TJ) proteins, is observed in various solid cancer tissues. However, the pathophysiological roles of CLDNs have not been clarified in detail. CLDN14 is highly expressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cultured cancer epithelial cells. We found CLDN14 silencing decreased cell viability without affecting spheroid size in the three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model of DLD-1 cells derived from human CRC. Mitochondria activity and oxidative stress level were reduced by CLDN14 silencing. Furthermore, CLDN14 silencing decreased the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target antioxidative genes. CLDN14 was colocalized with ZO-1, a scaffolding protein in the TJ. CLDN14 silencing induced the disruption of TJ barrier such as the reduction of transepithelial electrical resistance and elevation of fluxes of small molecules including glucose in two-dimensional (2D) cultured model,. The depletion of glucose induced the elevation of ROS generation, mitochondria activity, and Nrf2 expression. These results suggest that CLDN14 increases Nrf2 expression in spheroids mediated via the formation of paracellular barrier to glucose. The cytotoxicities of doxorubicin, an anthracycline anticancer drug, and oxaliplatin, a platinum-based agent, were augmented by an Nrf2 activator in 2D cultured cells. The anticancer drug-induced toxicity was enhanced by CLDN14 silencing in 3D spheroids. We suggest that CLDN14 may potentiate chemoresistance mediated by the suppression of paracellular glucose permeability and activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in CRC cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semi-permeable barrier that separates circulating blood from the extracellular fluid of the brain and central nervous system, which is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the role of propofol in BBB damage and further evaluate the underlying molecular mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to mice to create an in vivo BBB damage mice model. Additionally, hCMEC/D3 cells as brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were treated with LPS to establish the in vitro BBB damage cell model. Subsequently, propofol was used for the BBB damage model. Evans blue staining and fluorescein sodium were utilized in the in vivo experiments to demonstrate BBB leakage and BBB permeability. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess cell viability and the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) value was measured using an epithelial voltmeter. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the levels of the inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The levels of miR-130a-5p and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in brain tissues and cells were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, or immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate the association between miR-130a-5p and ZO-1. Propofol treatment suppressed BBB leakage, the amount of fluorescein sodium, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the LPS-induced BBB damage mice model. Meanwhile, propofol treatment increased the TEER value in the LPS-induced hCMEC/D3 cells. Additionally, propofol treatment significantly down-regulated miR-130a-5p and up-regulated ZO-1. More importantly, miR-130a-5p directly targeted ZO-1 and negatively regulated ZO-1 expression in hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, miR-130a-5p mimic partially reversed the effect of propofol on the TEER value and the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α in the LPS-induced hCMEC/D3 cells. Propofol suppressed LPS-induced BBB damage by regulating miR-130a-5p/ZO-1 axis. These findings suggested a potentially effective treatment approach for BBB damage., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Research on plant and animal peptides has garnered significant attention, but there is a lack of studies on the functional properties of Tenebrio molitor peptides, particularly in relation to their potential mitigating effect on radiation damage and the underlying mechanisms. This study aims to explore the protective effects of Tenebrio molitor peptides against radiation-induced damage. Mice were divided into five groups: normal, radiation model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Tenebrio molitor peptide (TMP) groups (0.15 g per kg BW, 0.30 g per kg BW, and 0.60 g per kg BW). Various parameters such as blood cell counts, bone marrow DNA content, immune organ indices, serum levels of D-lactic acid, diamine oxidase (DAO), endotoxin (LPS), and inflammatory factors were assessed at 3 and 15 days post gamma irradiation. Additionally, the intestinal tissue morphology was examined through H&E staining, RT-qPCR experiments were conducted to analyze the expression of inflammatory factors in the intestine, and immunohistochemistry was utilized to evaluate the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in the intestine. The findings revealed that high-dose TMP significantly enhanced the hematopoietic system function in mice post radiation exposure, leading to increased spleen index, thymus index, blood cell counts, and bone marrow DNA production ( p < 0.05). Moreover, TMP improved the intestinal barrier integrity and reduced the intestinal permeability. Mechanistic insights suggested that these peptides may safeguard intestinal barrier function by downregulating the gene expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin ( p < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with TMP mitigates radiation-induced intestinal damage by enhancing the hematopoietic system and the intestinal barrier, offering valuable insights for further investigations into the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of these peptides against ionizing radiation.

The activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the ileum has been shown to regulate Paneth cell-specific defensins, a large family of antimicrobial peptides; hence, this may serve as a potential mechanism to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Previously, we have demonstrated that a combination of vitamin D 3 (VD) and fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) upregulates colonic Vdr in mice. Here, we aim to examine the effect of VD, alone or in combination with FOSs, on intestinal barrier integrity and the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, as well as the gut microbial community. Male and female C57BL/6J mice at 6 weeks old were randomized into three groups to receive the following dietary regimens (n = 10/sex/group) for 8 weeks: (1) standard AIN-93G control diet (CTR), (2) CTR + 5000 IU vitamin D 3 (VD), and (3) VD + 5% fructooligosaccharides (VF). VD and VF differentially regulated the mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins in the colon and ileum. VF suppressed the upregulation of colonic ZO-1 and occludin , which was induced by VD supplementation alone. In the ileum, occludin but not ZO-1 was upregulated 20-fold in the VF-treated mice. While VD did not alter the mRNA expressions of Vdr and defensins in the ileum, these targets were downregulated by VF. Microbial analysis further reveals a shift of microbial beta diversity and a reduction in Romboutsia ilealis , a pathobiont, in VF-treated mice. Though the implications of these phenotypical and microbial changes remain to be determined, the administration of FOSs in the presence of VD may serve as an effective dietary intervention for maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

The damage to the mechanical barrier of the intestinal mucosa is the initiating factor and the core link of the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Protecting the mechanical barrier of the intestinal mucosa is of great significance for improving the health status of UC patients. ZO-1 is a key scaffold protein of the mechanical barrier of the intestinal mucosa, and its fusion with the membrane of the intestinal epithelium is a necessary condition to maintain the integrity of the mechanical barrier of the intestinal mucosa. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) play an important role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and have become a new target for regulating intestinal health in recent years. In this study, we found that glycyrol (GC), a representative coumarin compound isolated from Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, used for medicine and food), can alleviate UC by promoting the production of neurotrophic factor GDNF in mice EGCs. Specifically, we demonstrated that GC promotes the production of GDNF, then activates its receptor RET, promotes ZO-1 fusion with cell membranes, and protects the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier. The results of this study can provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of UC.

Many COVID-19 patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and impaired intestinal barrier function is thought to play a key role in Long COVID. Despite its importance, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on intestinal epithelia is poorly understood. To address this, we established an intestinal barrier model integrating epithelial Caco-2 cells, mucus-secreting HT29 cells and Raji cells. This gut epithelial model allows efficient differentiation of Caco-2 cells into microfold-like cells, faithfully mimics intestinal barrier function, and is highly permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early strains of SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant replicated with high efficiency, severely disrupted barrier function, and depleted tight junction proteins, such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1. In comparison, Omicron subvariants also depleted ZO-1 from tight junctions but had fewer damaging effects on mucosal integrity and barrier function. Remdesivir, the fusion inhibitor EK1 and the transmembrane serine protease 2 inhibitor Camostat inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication and thus epithelial barrier damage, while the Cathepsin inhibitor E64d was ineffective. Our results support that SARS-CoV-2 disrupts intestinal barrier function but further suggest that circulating Omicron variants are less damaging than earlier viral strains., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Medical Virology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Adaptive metabolic responses and innate metabolites hold promising therapeutic potential for stroke, while targeted interventions require a thorough understanding of underlying mechanisms. Adiposity is a noted modifiable metabolic risk factor for stroke, and recent research suggests that it benefits neurological rehabilitation. During the early phase of experimental stroke, the lipidomic results showed that fat depots underwent pronounced lipolysis and released fatty acids (FAs) that feed into consequent hepatic FA oxidation and ketogenesis. Systemic supplementation with the predominant ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is found to exert discernible effects on preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and facilitating neuroinflammation resolution. Meanwhile, blocking FAO-ketogenesis processes by administration of CPT1α antagonist or shRNA targeting HMGCS2 exacerbated endothelial damage and aggravated stroke severity, whereas BHB supplementation blunted these injuries. Mechanistically, it is unveiled that BHB infusion is taken up by monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1) specifically expressed in cerebral endothelium and upregulated the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 by enhancing local β-hydroxybutyrylation of H3K9 at the promoter of TJP1 gene. Conclusively, an adaptive metabolic mechanism is elucidated by which acute lipolysis stimulates FAO-ketogenesis processes to restore BBB integrity after stroke. Ketogenesis functions as an early metabolic responder to restrain stroke progression, providing novel prospectives for clinical translation., (© 2024 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Heavy metals interact with each other in a coexisting manner to produce complex combined toxicity to organisms. At present, the toxic effects of chronic co-exposure to heavy metals hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and divalent nickel [Ni(II)] on organisms are seldom studied and the related mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we explored the mechanism of the colon injury in mice caused by chronic exposure to Cr or/and Ni. The results showed that, compared with the control group, Cr or/and Ni chronic exposure affected the body weight of mice, and led to infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon, decreased the number of goblet cells, fusion of intracellular mucus particles and damaged cell structure of intestinal epithelial. In the Cr or/and Ni exposure group, the activity of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increased, the expression levels of MUC2 were significantly down-regulated, and those of ZO-1 and Occludin were significantly up-regulated. Interestingly, factorial analysis revealed an interaction between Cr and Ni, which was manifested as antagonistic effects on iNOS activity, ZO-1 and MUC2 mRNA expression levels. Transcriptome sequencing further revealed that the expression of genes-related to inflammation, intestinal mucus and tight junctions changed obviously. Moreover, the relative contents of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) in the Cr, Ni and Cr+Ni groups all changed with in-vitro gastrointestinal （IVG）digestion, especially in the Cr+Ni group. Our results indicated that the chronic exposure to Cr or/and Ni can lead to damage to the mice colon, and the relative content changes of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) might be the main reason for the antagonistic effect of Cr+Ni exposure on the colon damage., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Growing evidence showed the capacity of (poly)phenols to exert a protective role on intestinal health. Nevertheless, the existing findings are still heterogeneous and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the potential benefits of a red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ) powder on the integrity of the intestinal barrier, focusing on its ability to mitigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced intestinal permeability. Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells ( i.e. , Caco-2 cells) were used as a model to assess the impact of red raspberry on intestinal permeability, tight junction expression, and oxidative stress. The Caco-2 cells were differentiated into polarized monolayers and treated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (10 ng mL -1 ) for 24 hours, followed by exposure to TNF-α (10 ng mL -1 ) in the presence or absence of red raspberry extract (1-5 mg mL -1 ). The integrity of the intestinal monolayer was evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) efflux assay. Markers of intestinal permeability (claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) and oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and protein carbonyl) were assessed using ELISA kits. Treatment with red raspberry resulted in a significant counteraction of TEER value loss (41%; p < 0.01) and a notable reduction in the efflux of FITC-D (-2.5 times; p < 0.01). Additionally, red raspberry attenuated the levels of 8-OHdG (-48.8%; p < 0.01), mitigating the detrimental effects induced by TNF-α. Moreover, red raspberry positively influenced the expression of the integral membrane protein claudin-1 (+18%; p < 0.01), an essential component of tight junctions. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of the beneficial effects of red raspberry in the context of the intestinal barrier. The effect of red raspberry against TNF-α-induced intestinal permeability observed in our in vitro model suggests, for the first time, its potential as a dietary strategy to promote gastrointestinal health.

Hypoxia plays an important role in the pathological process of bladder outlet obstruction. Previous research has mostly focused on the dysfunction of bladder smooth muscle cells, which are directly related to bladder contraction. This study delves into the barrier function changes of the urothelial cells under exposure to hypoxia. Results indicated that after a 5-day culture, SV-HUC-1 formed a monolayer and/or bilayer of cell sheets, with tight junction formation, but no asymmetrical unit membrane was observed. qPCR and western blotting revealed the expression of TJ-associated proteins (occludin, claudin1 and ZO-1) was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group in a time-dependent manner. No expression changes were observed in uroplakins. When compared to normoxic groups, immunofluorescent staining revealed a reduction in the expression of TJ-associated proteins in the hypoxia group. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) revealed a statistically significant decrease in resistance in the hypoxia group. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran assay was inversely proportional to the results of TEER. Taken together, hypoxia down-regulates the expression of TJ-associated proteins and breaks tight junctions, thus impairing the barrier function in human urothelial cells., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) changes are acknowledged as early indicators of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The permeability and integrity of the BBB rely significantly on the essential role played by the tight junction proteins (TJPs) connecting endothelial cells. This study found the reduced RNA binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) incubated with Aβ 1 - 42 . This downregulation of RBM3 caused a decrease in the levels of ZO-1 and occludin and increased the permeability of BBB cell model in AD microenvironment. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) expression was also inhibited in BMECs incubated with Aβ 1 - 42 . A decrease in MEF2C expression led to increased permeability of BBB cell model in AD microenvironment and reductions in the levels of ZO-1 and occludin. Further analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that RBM3 binds to and stabilizes MEF2C mRNA. MEF2C binds to the promoters of ZO-1 and occludin, enhancing their transcriptional activities and modulating BBB permeability. RBM3 increases the stability of MEF2C mRNA and subsequently modulates BBB permeability through the paracellular pathway of TJPs. This may provide new insights for AD research., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) develops after an unsuccessful or complicated recovery from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. Intraocular scar formation with the contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells is prominent in the pathology of PVR. In the present study, the EMT process was experimentally induced in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE; ARPE-19) cells, and the effect of atorvastatin on the process was studied. The mRNA and protein levels of mesenchymal markers actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) / alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN), and epithelial markers occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot methods, respectively. In addition, α-SMA and FN were visualized using immunofluorescence staining. Cells were photographed under a phase contrast light microscope. Changes in the functionality of cells following the EMT process were studied using the IncuCyte scratch wound cell migration assay and the collagen cell invasion assay with confocal microscopy. The induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells increased the expression of mesenchymal markers ACTA2/α-SMA and fibronectin and reduced the expression of epithelial marker OCLN both at mRNA and protein levels. The mRNA levels of ZO-1 were lower after EMT, as well. Increased levels of α-SMA and FN were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Atorvastatin further increased the mRNA levels of mesenchymal markers ACTA2 and FN as well as the protein levels of α-SMA and reduced the mRNA levels of epithelial markers OCLN and ZO-1 under the EMT process. EMT promoted wound closure and cell invasion into the 3D collagen matrix when compared to untreated control cells. These data present cellular changes upon the induction of the EMT process in ARPE-19 cells and the propensity of atorvastatin to complement the effect. More studies are needed to confirm the exact influence of the EMT process and atorvastatin treatment on the PVR development after RRD surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver fibrosis. Early-stage liver fibrosis is reversible and intimately associated with the state of HSCs. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) plays a pivotal role in a wide array of physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of KLF4 on the proliferation, apoptosis and phenotype of quiescent HSCs METHODS: We designed a KLF4 lentiviral vector and a KLF4 siRNA lentiviral vector, to upregulate and silence KLF4 expression in human HSC LX-2 cells via transfection. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of some quiescence and activation markers of HSCs RESULTS: Overexpression of KLF4 significantly increased the levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1, which are quiescent HSC markers, while significantly decreased the levels of N-cadherin and a-SMA, known activated HSC markers. In contrast, cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were elevated in LX-2 cells in which KLF4 expression was silenced CONCLUSION: KLF4 inhibits the proliferation and activation of human LX-2 HSCs. It might be a key regulatory protein in the maintenance of HSC quiescence and may serve as a target for the inhibition of hepatic fibrosis., (© 2024. Huazhong University of Science and Technology.)

Heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137) has been suggested to enhance the intestinal barrier in obese mice, leading to improvement of metabolic abnormalities and adipose tissue inflammation, and in healthy humans with overweight, leading to improvement of systemic inflammation. However, its detailed mechanism of action has not been clarified. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of HK L-137 on the permeability of rat small intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells, tight junction-related gene and protein expression and localization, and intracellular signaling pathways involved in barrier function. Treatment of IEC-6 cells with HK L-137 for 26 h significantly reduced the permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4). HK L-137 also increased gene and protein expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), an important tight junction protein, without affecting the localization. Furthermore, inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway in IEC-6 cells canceled the HK L-137-related reduction in permeability to FD-4. Phosphorylation of ERK in IEC-6 cells was induced 15 min after the addition of HK L-137. These results suggest that HK L-137 reduces intestinal permeability partly through activating the ERK pathway and increasing expression of the ZO-1 gene and protein. Enhancement of intestinal barrier function with HK L-137 might be effective in preventing and treating leaky gut, for which no specific therapeutic tool has been established., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of Peitu Yimu(strengthening spleen and soothing liver) acupuncture on intestinal mucosal barrier function and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)/CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) pathway in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), so as to explore its underlying mechanism in alleviating IBS-D., Methods: Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into blank, model, electroacupuncture (EA), and agonist groups, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats in the other groups were given folium sennae infusion by gavage combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress to establish IBS-D model. Rats in the EA group received acupuncture at "Tianshu"(ST25) and EA at "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Taichong"(LR3) (2 Hz/15 Hz) on one side for 20 min, with the side chosen alternately every other day, for 14 days after modeling. Rats in the agonist group received acupuncture 30 min after intravenous injection of CRFR1 agonist urocortin, with the same manipulation method and time as the EA group. Before and after intervention, visceral pain threshold and stool Bristol scores were measured. Elevated plus maze test and open field test were used to detect anxiety and depression like behavior of rats. ELISA was used to detect the contents of CRF and CRFR1 in rats serum. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of CRF, CRFR1, zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1), occlusal protein(Occludin), and closure protein 1 (Claudin-1) in colon tissue., Results: Compared with the blank group, the visceral pain threshold, open arm time percentage (OT%), total distance of movement in the open field test, and positive expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colon were decreased ( P <0.01, P <0.05), while Bristol stool scores, serum CRF and CRFR1 contents, and positive expressions of CRF and CRFR1 in colon were increased ( P <0.01) in the model group. After intervention and compared with the model group, the visceral pain threshold, OT%, total distance of movement in the open field test, and positive expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colon were increased ( P <0.05, P <0.01), while Bristol stool scores, serum CRF and CRFR1 contents, and positive expressions of CRF and CRFR1 in colon were decreased ( P <0.01) in the EA group；the Bristol stool scores, serum CRF content, and CRF positive expression in colon were significantly decreased in the agonist group ( P <0.01)., Conclusions: Peitu Yimu acupuncture can significantly improve visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-depression state in IBS-D rats. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of CRF/CRFR1 pathway and restoration of intestinal tight junction protein expressions.

Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is involved in the regulation of cell-cell junctions between endothelial cells (ECs). Here we identify the ZO-1 protein interactome and uncover ZO-1 interactions with RNA-binding proteins that are part of stress granules (SGs). Downregulation of ZO-1 increased SG formation in response to stress and protected ECs from cellular insults. The ZO-1 interactome uncovered an association between ZO-1 and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), a constituent of SGs. Arsenite treatment of ECs decreased the interaction between ZO-1 and YB-1, and drove SG assembly. YB-1 expression is essential for SG formation and for the cytoprotective effects induced by ZO-1 downregulation. In the developing retinal vascular plexus of newborn mice, ECs at the front of growing vessels express less ZO-1 but display more YB-1-positive granules than ECs located in the vascular plexus. Endothelial-specific deletion of ZO-1 in mice at post-natal day 7 markedly increased the presence of YB-1-positive granules in ECs of retinal blood vessels, altered tip EC morphology and vascular patterning, resulting in aberrant endothelial proliferation, and arrest in the expansion of the retinal vasculature. Our findings suggest that, through its interaction with YB-1, ZO-1 controls SG formation and the response of ECs to stress during angiogenesis., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This work seeks to generate new knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of cranberry against urinary tract infections (UTI). Using Caco-2 cells grown in Transwell inserts as an intestinal barrier model, we found that a cranberry-derived digestive fluid (containing 135 ± 5 mg of phenolic compounds/L) increased transepithelial electrical resistance with respect to control (ΔTEER = 54.5 Ω cm 2 ) and decreased FITC-dextran paracellular transport by about 30%, which was related to the upregulation of the gene expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (i.e., occludin, zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1], and claudin-2) (∼3-4-fold change with respect to control for claudin-2 and ∼2-3-fold for occludin and ZO-1). Similar protective effects, albeit to a lesser extent, were observed when Caco-2 cells were previously infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). In a urinary barrier model comprising T24 cells grown in Transwell inserts and either noninfected or UPEC-infected, treatments with the cranberry-derived phenolic metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) (250 μM) also promoted favorable changes in barrier integrity and permeability. In this line, incubation of noninfected T24 cells with these metabolites induced positive regulatory effects on claudin-2 and ZO-1 expression (∼3.5- and ∼2-fold change with respect to control for DOPAC and ∼1.5- and >2-fold change with respect to control for PAA, respectively). Overall, these results suggest that the protective action of cranberry polyphenols against UTI might involve molecular mechanisms related to the integrity and functionality of the urothelium and intestinal epithelium.

Protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for maintaining brain homeostasis after ischemic stroke. Previous studies showed that M2 microglial extracellular vesicles (EVs) played a neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia. However, the role of M2 microglial EVs in maintaining BBB integrity is unclear. Therefore, we explored the mechanisms of M2 microglial EVs in regulating BBB integrity. To identify microglial EVs, we used nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot analysis. Adult male ICR mice were subjected to 90-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by the injection of PKH26-labeled M2 microglial EVs via the tail vein. After MCAO, we assessed brain infarct and edema volume, as well as modified neurological severity score. BBB integrity was measured by assessing IgG leakage. The effects of M2 microglial EVs on astrocytes and endothelial cells were also examined. To investigate the molecular mechanisms, we performed RNA sequencing, miR-23a-5p knockdown, and luciferase reporter assays. Our results showed that PKH26-labeled microglial EVs were mainly taken up by neurons and glial cells. M2 microglial EVs treatment decreased brain infarct and edema volume, modified neurological severity score, and IgG leakage, while increasing the ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression after MCAO. Knockdown of miR-23a-5p reversed these effects. RNA sequencing revealed that the TNF, MMP3 and NFκB signaling pathway involved in regulating BBB integrity. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-23a-5p could bind to the 3' UTR of TNF. M2 microglial EVs-derived miR-23a-5p decreased TNF, MMP3 and NFκB p65 expression in astrocytes after oxygen-glucose deprivation, thereby increasing ZO-1 and Claudin-5 expression in bEnd.3 cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that M2 microglial EVs attenuated BBB disruption after cerebral ischemia by delivering miR-23a-5p, which targeted TNF and regulated MMP3 and NFκB p65 expression.

Understanding the transport mechanism of the peptide Asn-Cys-Trp (NCW) is crucial to improving its intestinal absorption and bioavailability. This study investigated the absorption of NCW through Caco-2 cell monolayers and its interaction with the DPPC bilayers. Results revealed that after a 3 h incubation, the Papp (AP-BL) and Papp (BL-AP) values of NCW at a concentration of 5 mmol/L were (22.24 ± 4.52) × 10 -7 and (6.63 ± 2.31) × 10 -7 cm/s, respectively, with the transport rates of 1.59 ± 0.32 and 0.62 ± 0.20%, indicating its moderate absorption. NCW was found to be transported via PepT1 and paracellular transport pathways, as evidenced by the significant impact of Gly-Pro and cytochalasin D on the Papp values. Moreover, NCW upregulated ZO-1 mRNA expression. Further investigation of the ZO-1-mediated interaction between NCW and tight junction proteins will contribute to a better understanding of the paracellular transport mechanism of NCW. The interaction between NCW and the DPPC bilayers was predominantly driven by entropy. NCW permeated the bilayers through electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions, resulting in increased fluidity, flexibility, and disorder as well as phase transition and phase separation of the bilayers.