GATA4 Is Sufficient to Establish Jejunal Versus Ileal Identity in the Small Intestine.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Patterning of the small intestinal epithelium along its cephalocaudal axis establishes three functionally distinct regions: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Efficient nutrient assimilation and growth depend on the proper spatial patterning of specialized digestive and absorptive functions performed by duodenal, jejunal, and ileal enterocytes. When enterocyte function is disrupted by disease or injury, intestinal failure can occur. One approach to alleviate intestinal failure would be to restore lost enterocyte functions. The molecular mechanisms determining regionally defined enterocyte functions, however, are poorly delineated. We previously showed that GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) is essential to define jejunal enterocytes. The goal of this study was to test the

SUBMITTER: Thompson CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5404030 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature