Intestinal epithelial membrane permeability

Intestinal epithelial membrane permeability describes the ability of the single-cell layer of the gut epithelium to selectively allow passage of nutrients, ions, and water while restricting harmful substances (toxins, pathogens, antigens)[1][2][3][4]. This property is primarily regulated by junctional complexes (tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes) made up of various transmembrane and cytosolic proteins such as claudins, occludin, and zonula occludens (ZO) proteins[1][3]. Disturbance or dysregulation of these protein complexes can lead to increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), which is implicated in a range of inflammatory, infectious, metabolic, and autoimmune disease processes[1][2][4]. Intestinal permeability is a regulatable property but not a defined drug target or molecule; its modulation is an emerging area of research for therapies in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.

Other names

Intestinal barrier functionGut epithelial permeabilityIntestinal permeabilityEpithelial barrier function