Protocadherin 20 maintains intestinal barrier function to protect against Crohn's disease by targeting ATF6.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intestinal barrier dysfunction plays a central role in the pathological onset of Crohn's disease. We identify the cadherin superfamily member protocadherin 20 (PCDH20) as a crucial factor in Crohn's disease. Here we describe the function of PCDH20 and its mechanisms in gut homeostasis, barrier integrity, and Crohn's disease development.

Results

PCDH20 mRNA and protein expression is significantly downregulated in the colonic epithelium of Crohn's disease patients and mice with induced colitis compared with controls. In mice, intestinal-specific Pcdh20 knockout causes defects in enterocyte proliferation and differentiation, while causing morphological abnormalities. Specifically, the deletion disrupts barrier integrity by unzipping adherens junctions via β-catenin r

SUBMITTER: Huang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10320870 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature