Functional modeling of tight junctions in intestinal cell monolayers using polyethylene glycol oligomers

• DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2001.281.2.c388
• Publication Date: 2017-12-24T20:41:57Z
• Authors: C. J. Watson; M. Rowland; G. Warhurst
• Keywords: Paracellular transport

Despite significant advances in the characterization of tight junction (TJ) proteins, little is known about how molecular changes relate to function due primarily limitations conventional paracellular probes. To address this, pathway Caco-2 and T84 cell lines was profiled by measuring permeabilities 24 polyethylene glycols (PEG) increasing radius (3.5–7.4 Å) analyzed mass spectrometry. When combined with a sieving model, these data provided quantitative descriptors under control conditions after exposure TJ modulators. PEG profiles both conformed biphasic process involving restrictive pore (radius 4.3–4.5 nonrestrictive component responsible for permeability larger molecules. profiling revealed differences between effects EGTA sodium caprate (C10). The EGTA-treated cells lost all size discrimination an increase radius. Sodium had no effect on but increased via different mechanism possibly numbers functional pores. provides useful tool probing regulation route.