Ochratoxin A displaces claudins from detergent resistant membrane microdomains

Ochratoxin A (OchA) is a food-borne mycotoxin with multiple effects in vivo. Previously, we have demonstrated that the toxin can significantly impair the barrier function of the gut epithelial cell line, Caco-2. Barrier disruption involved loss of claudins 3 and 4, but not claudin 1 from the tight junction complex. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time, that OchA is able to remove claudins 3 and 4 from the detergent insoluble membrane microdomains associated with the tight junctions. However, cholesterol distribution within the microdomain was unaffected by the toxin. In addition, the thiol antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, preserved the microdomain localisation of claudins and also the barrier function of Caco-2 cells. This work suggests that OchA-mediated barrier toxicity is due to removal of claudins from detergent insoluble membrane microdomains. Moreover, loss of microdomain association may be due to oxidative events.