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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance
Published on: December 3, 2020
Desmoglein 2-mediated adhesion is required for intestinal epithelial barrier integrity
Nicolas Schlegel1, Michael Meir, Wolfgang-Moritz Heupel
1Inst. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Germany.
Summary
Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) adhesion is vital for intestinal barrier integrity. Blocking Dsg2 interaction disrupts tight junctions, compromising the intestinal epithelial barrier function in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Epithelial Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intercellular junctions, including tight and adherens junctions, are crucial for intestinal barrier function.
- The specific role of desmosomal adhesion in maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of desmoglein 2 (Dsg2)-mediated adhesion to intestinal epithelial barrier function in vitro.
- To determine if impaired Dsg2 adhesion affects the integrity of tight junctions.
Main Methods:
- Generation of a desmoglein 2 extracellular domain (Dsg2 ED) antibody to block Dsg2 interaction.
- In vitro studies using Caco2 cell monolayers to assess epithelial barrier function.
- Measurement of cell dissociation, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and FITC-dextran flux.
- Immunostaining to analyze the localization of tight junction proteins.
Main Results:
- Application of the Dsg2 ED antibody increased cell dissociation in Caco2 monolayers.
- Dsg2 antibody treatment significantly decreased TER and increased FITC-dextran flux, indicating barrier disruption.
- Immunostaining revealed partial removal of tight junction proteins (claudins, occludin, ZO-1) from cell borders, suggesting tight junction compromise.
Conclusions:
- Desmoglein 2-mediated adhesion plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier properties.
- Dsg2 interaction is essential for the integrity of tight junctions within the intestinal epithelium.
- Targeting Dsg2 adhesion may represent a therapeutic strategy for conditions involving intestinal barrier dysfunction.
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