Goblet cells and mucus-producing intestinal epithelium

Goblet cells are specialized secretory epithelial cells found within the intestinal lining, primarily responsible for producing and secreting Mucin-2 (MUC2), the major component of the protective mucus layer (Birchenough et al., 2015). These cells play a vital role in intestinal homeostasis by providing a physical and chemical barrier against pathogens and mechanical damage, while also participating in immune regulation through antigen sampling (McDole et al., 2012). In pathological conditions such as ulcerative colitis, a significant reduction in goblet cell density and mucus production is observed, contributing to barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation (Gersemann et al., 2009). Conversely, goblet cell hyperplasia can occur in response to parasitic infections or certain pharmacological interventions. While not a single molecular target, goblet cells are therapeutically relevant as their differentiation is tightly regulated by the Notch signaling pathway; Notch inhibitors, such as gamma-secretase inhibitors, can induce a massive conversion of intestinal progenitors into goblet cells (van Es et al., 2005). Consequently, strategies to modulate goblet cell function or abundance are being explored for treating inflammatory and infectious gastrointestinal diseases.

Other names

Intestinal goblet cellsMucus-secreting intestinal cellsSecretory intestinal epithelium

Modulation of secretory lineage differentiation via Notch signaling inhibition and stimulation of mucin exocytosis through cholinergic or paracrine signaling (van Es et al., 2005; Birchenough et al., 2015).