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A Bacterial Protease Perturbs The Paracellular Barrier Function Of Transporting Epithelial Monolayers In Culture, Ali Azghani
A Bacterial Protease Perturbs The Paracellular Barrier Function Of Transporting Epithelial Monolayers In Culture, Ali Azghani
Ali Azghani
Tight junctions between cells and adhesion to the substratum maintain the barrier function of epithelia throughout the body. Damage to the epithelial barrier by microbial products allows penetration of bacteria and promotion of infection. We studied the effects of Pseudomonas elastase (PE) on the barrier function of epithelia by using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells; these cells form tight junctions (zonula occludens [ZO]) in vitro. PE decreased electrical resistance across the monolayers in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Immunostaining of selected proteins of the ZO and zonula adherens was used to explore the effects of PE on junctional proteins. …