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Analysis of the Role of Intestinal Barrier in IBD

The intestinal epithelial monolayer constitutes a physical and functional barrier between the body and the external environment. It regulates the absorption of nutrients, the flux of water and ions, and is the first line of defense against toxins and enteric pathogens. The intestinal epithelium can be easily disrupted during gut inflammation as seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have shown that the assessment of barrier function in IBD can reflect disease activity and may help predict the course of the disease. Moreover, the exact mechanisms associated with defective barrier function and IBD remain largely unknown. Therefore, a better understanding of this phenomenon may reveal an important pathophysiological process in IBD and provide new ideas for the development of treatments for this chronic disease.

Fig. 1. Intestinal barrier dysfunction precedes the development of Crohn's Disease. (Mehandru et al., 2021)

Our Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Research Services

As a leading service provider in the field of IBD, Ace Therapeutics offers comprehensive services to help clients analyze the role of intestinal epithelial barrier function in the pathophysiology of IBD. We aim to help understand the inflammatory process and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Our team of experts can provide in-depth characterization of intestinal epithelial barrier genes in IBD animals, incorporating genetic and transcriptomic approaches to help clients better understand the genes and intestinal epithelial barrier components associated with the disease. We have extensive experience in the analysis of intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in IBD:

• Analyzing altered expression and structural changes in intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins.
• Analyzing the effects of various pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ) on TJ permeability and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis.
• Analyzing the role of adhesion molecules and immunological factors in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity and regulating epithelial cell homeostasis.
• Analyzing genetic changes that affect intestinal epithelial function and search for genes and barrier components that are most enriched at the genetic level.
• Studying the expression levels of barrier genes using intestinal mucosal tissues from IBD animals.
• Analyzing the effect of intestinal flora on intestinal barrier integrity.

Development Services for Biomarkers of Intestinal Barrier Function

By analyzing the differential expression of proteins that are directly involved in or regulate the interactions between the intestinal epithelium, the immune system and the intestinal microbiota, we help our clients develop biomarkers that can accurately assess intestinal barrier function and epithelial integrity would be a useful tool in predicting disease course and relapse.

• We use immunohistochemistry to quantify whole proteins in tissues derived from IBD animals.
• We use mass spectrometry for overall proteomic biomarker discovery, which helps to identify new biomarkers.
• These proteins are quantified based on parameters that measure intestinal barrier function.

By studying the role of IEC in IBD, Ace Therapeutics aims to help clients better understand the pathogenesis of IBD and provide additional insight into the potential and efficacy of IEC-based therapeutic opportunities and their applications. We are a trusted partner, please do not hesitate to contact us.