Differential effects of TNF (TNFSF2) and IFN-γ on intestinal epithelial cell morphogenesis and barrier function in three-dimensional culture.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cytokines TNF (TNFSF2) and IFNγ are important mediators of inflammatory bowel diseases and contribute to enhanced intestinal epithelial permeability by stimulating apoptosis and/or disrupting tight junctions. Apoptosis and tight junctions are also important for epithelial tissue morphogenesis, but the effect of TNF and IFNγ on the process of intestinal epithelial morphogenesis is unknown.

Methods/principal findings

We have employed a three-dimensional cell culture system, reproducing in vivo-like multicellular organization of intestinal epithelial cells, to study the effect of TNF on intestinal epithelial morphogenesis and permeability. We show that human intestinal epithelial cells in three-dimensional culture assembled into luminal spheres consisting of a si

SUBMITTER: Juuti-Uusitalo K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3154921 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature