Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight 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
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

834
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...
834
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach01:25

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

2.0K
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...
2.0K
Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

9.1K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
9.1K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

86.5K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
86.5K
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

1.5K
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Microtubular Disruption Alters Intestinal Permeability in Murine Neonatal Anemic Intestine.

Anemia·2026
Same author

Probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum upregulation of intestinal epithelial tight junction barrier is mediated by TLR-2/TLR-6 receptor complex activation of occludin gene.

NPJ biofilms and microbiomes·2026
Same author

Platelet specific knockout of integrin beta-3 (β3) reduces severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in murine neonates.

Frontiers in pediatrics·2025
Same author

<i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> inhibits the TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial tight junction permeability via a TLR-2 and PI3K-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Frontiers in immunology·2024
Same author

Bifidobacterium bifidum Strain BB1 Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Increase in Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junction Permeability via Toll-Like Receptor-2/Toll-Like Receptor-6 Receptor Complex-Dependent Stimulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ and Suppression of NF-κB p65.

The American journal of pathology·2024
Same author

The complete genome sequence of probiotic <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> ATCC 9224 isolated from sour milk.

Microbiology resource announcements·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
05:14

Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran

Published on: November 18, 2022

11.6K

Probiotics and the intestinal tight junction barrier function.

Megan M Ferris1, Ligia Subitoni Antonio1, Rana Al-Sadi1

  • 1Frederick F. Paustian IBD Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|December 17, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Probiotics can help maintain and restore gut barrier function, crucial for preventing gastrointestinal diseases. Specific strains show promise in enhancing intestinal epithelial integrity through various mechanisms.

Keywords:
Probioticsintestinal inflammationintestinal permeabilityprobiotic signalingtight junctions

More Related Videos

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
06:43

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique

Published on: May 26, 2021

6.3K
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
08:58

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

12.7K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
05:14

Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran

Published on: November 18, 2022

11.6K
Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
06:43

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique

Published on: May 26, 2021

6.3K
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
08:58

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

12.7K

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Microbiology
  • Intestinal barrier function
  • Probiotic research

Background:

  • Intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) disruption is central to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
  • The gut microbiota influences epithelial integrity.
  • Probiotics offer potential therapeutic strategies for GI diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on probiotics' protective effects on intestinal epithelial TJ barrier function.
  • To summarize mechanisms by which probiotics modulate barrier integrity.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of probiotics in GI disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on probiotics and intestinal barrier function.
  • Analysis of data from cell culture, animal models, and clinical settings.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms of probiotic action.

Main Results:

  • Specific probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, E. coli Nissle 1917, B. subtilis, S. boulardii) enhance barrier integrity.
  • Probiotics upregulate TJ proteins, suppress inflammation, and modulate signaling pathways (NF-κB, MLCK, MAPK).
  • Probiotics activate host pattern recognition receptors (TLR-2, PPARγ).

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics show potential as adjunctive or preventive therapies for GI diseases with epithelial barrier dysfunction.
  • Strain-specific effects are evident, emphasizing the need for characterization.
  • Further research, clinical trials, and standardization are required for effective probiotic interventions.