Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...

Colonisation of Pathogens

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...

Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors

Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors

Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining. Bicarbonate,...

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Increased levels of α2-3- and α2-6-linked sialic acids during airway inflammation govern influenza A binding to peripheral airway mucins in a subtype-dependent manner.

Frontiers in immunology·2026

Same author

Transmission and host response of Atlantic salmon to Moritella viscosa in winter ulcer disease.

Fish & shellfish immunology·2026

Same author

A. salmonicida infection inhibits rainbow trout gill mucin production.

Fish & shellfish immunology·2025

Same author

High-mannose N-glycosylation increases in gill mucus from Sparicotyle chrysophrii infected gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and correlates with expression of the mannosyltransferase alg11 and microbial opportunistic pathogens.

Fish & shellfish immunology·2025

Same author

Pathogenic OTUD3 Mutations Predispose to Ulcerative Colitis Due to Barrier Dysfunction.

Cellular and molecular gastroenterology and hepatology·2025

Same author

Comparisons of Methods for Mucus Sampling and Mucin Semi-Quantification on Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Epithelial Sites.

Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2025

Mucin dynamics and enteric pathogens.

Michael A McGuckin¹, Sara K Lindén, Philip Sutton

¹Immunity, Infection and Inflammation Program, Mater Medical Research Institute and The University of Queensland School of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia. mmcguckin@mmri.mater.org.au

Nature Reviews. Microbiology

|March 17, 2011

Summary

The gut

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Immunology
Glycobiology

Background:

The gut's mucus layer and cell surface glycocalyx are crucial barriers against microbial infection.
Mucin glycoproteins are the primary structural components of these protective mucosal barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the components of gut mucosal barriers and their role in preventing pathogen entry.
To discuss how enteric pathogens overcome these defenses and interact with mucins.
To explore immune-driven changes to the mucin barrier during infection.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on gut mucosal barriers and enteric pathogens.
Analysis of mechanisms used by pathogens to disrupt or evade mucin defenses.
Examination of host immune responses influencing the mucin barrier.

More Related Videos

Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution

Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution

Published on: September 21, 2012

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2025

Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution

Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution

Published on: September 21, 2012

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

Main Results:

Mucosal barriers effectively prevent pathogen colonization in healthy guts.
Enteric pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to breach or bypass these defenses.
Pathogen-mucin interactions and immune responses dynamically alter barrier function.

Conclusions:

Understanding mucin barrier dynamics is key to combating gut infections.
Pathogen adaptation highlights the need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting mucosal defenses.
Host immunity plays a significant role in modulating the gut's protective mucus layer.