Abstract
Epithelial cells that line tissues such as the intestine serve as the primary barrier to the outside world. Epithelia provide selective permeability in the presence of a large constellation of microbes, termed the microbiota. Recent studies have revealed that the symbiotic relationship between the healthy host and the microbiota includes the regulation of cell–cell interactions at the level of epithelial tight junctions. The most recent findings have identified multiple microbial-derived metabolites that influence intracellular signaling pathways which elicit activities at the epithelial apical junction complex. Here, we review recent findings that place microbiota-derived metabolites as primary regulators of epithelial cell–cell interactions and ultimately mucosal permeability in health and disease.
Highlights
Metabolite Regulation of EpithelialThe gastrointestinal (GI) tract is lined by a monolayer of epithelial cells that form a critical barrier separating our body from the external environment
The microbiome plays a key role in maintaining this oxygen gradient, which is critical for nutrient absorption, barrier function, and immune responses in the intestine [49]
It has been shown that Dietary fibers (DF) are important for homeostatic gut barrier function [77,78], whereas the lack of DF intake is associated with autoimmune disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development [79,80]
Summary
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is lined by a monolayer of epithelial cells that form a critical barrier separating our body from the external environment. The intestinal epithelium plays an essential role in the regulation of the immune system and maintenance of health [1]. It prevents exposure to harmful entities and restricts infiltration of pathogenic organisms [2]. This seemingly conflicting task is finely regulated by an interplay of structural components and molecular interactions at the intestinal mucosa to maintain intestinal integrity and immune homeostasis [3]. These microbial passengers in return offer many symbiotic benefits to the host in the form of thousands of metabolites, acting upon a range of physiological functions including strengthening gut integrity, modulating cellular energetics and shaping. This review will focus on the role of microbial-derived metabolites in the regulation of intestinal barrier function and homeostasis
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