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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
05:10
Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2025
Core 3-derived O-glycans are essential for intestinal mucus barrier function.
1Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Methods in Enzymology
|September 7, 2010
Summary
Core 3-derived O-glycans are crucial for maintaining the colon mucus barrier. Their absence in engineered mice led to increased gut permeability and susceptibility to colitis, highlighting their protective role.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Glycobiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intestinal mucins, rich in O-glycans, form a protective mucus layer over the gut epithelium.
- Core 3-derived O-glycans are a major O-glycan type predominantly found in the colon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological role of core 3-derived O-glycans in the colon.
- To determine the function of core 3 beta1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C3GnT) in O-glycan synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Generation of mice lacking the C3GnT gene, essential for core 3-derived O-glycan synthesis.
- Analysis of mucus barrier function, Muc2 protein levels, and intestinal permeability in C3GnT-deficient mice.
- Assessment of susceptibility to experimental colitis triggers.
Main Results:
- Complete absence of core 3-derived O-glycans in C3GnT-deficient mice.
- Significant reduction of Muc2 protein in the colon of these mice.
- Increased intestinal barrier permeability and heightened susceptibility to colitis.
Conclusions:
- Core 3-derived O-glycans are essential for maintaining colon mucus barrier integrity.
- The C3GnT enzyme plays a critical role in colon mucus barrier function.
- Deficiency in core 3-derived O-glycans compromises gut health and increases vulnerability to inflammatory conditions.
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