Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
10:22
In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability
Published on: October 19, 2018
25.4K
Curcumin prevents leptin-induced tight junction dysfunction in intestinal Caco-2 BBe cells
Choon Young Kim1, Kee-Hong Kim
1Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
|December 10, 2013
Summary
Luminal leptin disrupts intestinal barrier function by activating signaling pathways, leading to inflammation. Curcumin (CCM) pretreatment prevents this leptin-induced tight junction (TJ) dysfunction in intestinal cells.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intestinal tight junction (TJ) integrity is vital for nutrient absorption, host defense, and immunity.
- Leptin, linked to obesity and intestinal inflammation, has an unclear role in luminal TJ function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leptin's role in intestinal TJ function in Caco-2 BBe cells.
- To explore curcumin's (CCM) protective effects against leptin-induced TJ dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Treated Caco-2 BBe cells with apical leptin and/or curcumin (CCM).
- Analyzed TJ function, signaling pathways (JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2), and gene expression (TJ proteins, IL-6, TNF-α).
Main Results:
- Apical leptin (100 ng/ml) impaired TJ function by activating leptin receptor-dependent JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2 pathways.
- Leptin reduced TJ-associated proteins (zonula occludens-3, claudin-5, occludin) and increased inflammatory genes (IL-6, TNF-α).
- CCM pretreatment blunted leptin's effects by inhibiting these signaling pathways and gene expression changes.
Conclusions:
- Luminal leptin novelly impairs intestinal TJ function via specific signaling pathways.
- Curcumin (CCM) effectively prevents leptin-induced TJ dysfunction in intestinal cells, highlighting its potential therapeutic role.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Tight Junctions
6.8K
Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
6.8K
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
1.8K
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
1.8K
01:24Adherens Junctions
5.8K
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
5.8K
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
1.8K
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
1.8K
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
34
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal...
34
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
2.7K
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
2.7K