[HTML][HTML] Cytoskeletal regulation of epithelial barrier function during inflammation

AI Ivanov, CA Parkos, A Nusrat - The American journal of pathology, 2010 - Elsevier
The American journal of pathology, 2010Elsevier
Increased epithelial permeability is a common and important consequence of mucosal
inflammation that results in perturbed body homeostasis and enhanced exposure to external
pathogens. The integrity and barrier properties of epithelial layers are regulated by
specialized adhesive plasma membrane structures known as intercellular junctions. It is
generally believed that inflammatory stimuli increase transepithelial permeability by
inducing junctional disassembly. This review highlights molecular events that lead to …
Increased epithelial permeability is a common and important consequence of mucosal inflammation that results in perturbed body homeostasis and enhanced exposure to external pathogens. The integrity and barrier properties of epithelial layers are regulated by specialized adhesive plasma membrane structures known as intercellular junctions. It is generally believed that inflammatory stimuli increase transepithelial permeability by inducing junctional disassembly. This review highlights molecular events that lead to disruption of epithelial junctions during inflammation. We specifically focus on key mechanisms of junctional regulation that are dependent on reorganization of the perijunctional F-actin cytoskeleton. We discuss critical roles of myosin-II–dependent contractility and actin filament turnover in remodeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton that drive disruption of epithelial barriers under different inflammatory conditions. Finally, we highlight signaling pathways induced by inflammatory mediators that regulate reorganization of actin filaments and junctional disassembly in mucosal epithelia.
Elsevier