Pre-translational, translational, and post-translational mechanisms in adaptation of intestinal proteins

The enterocyte exhibits remarkable short-term adaptation to a meal, complementing the well recognized adaptation of the stomach and pancreas. The mechanisms utilized include increased protein synthesis by pre-translational and translational events, and post-translational alterations in protein degradation and secretion. All of these events occur within a few hours after the meal. These adaptations are compared with the more long-term events in post-natal development that occur over a period of days, at least in the rat. They contrast even more with the macroscopic changes that also occur over days and weeks following intestinal resection, the model most commonly associated with the concept of intestinal adaptation. The demonstration of cellular and molecular adaptation within a few hours of a meal represents an expansion of the definition of intestinal adaptation and may provide clues to the explanation of more delayed events.