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The role of autophagy in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier
Author(s) -
Wu Yanping,
Tang Li,
Wang Baikui,
Sun Qiming,
Zhao Pengwei,
Li Weifen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.28722
Subject(s) - autophagy , microbiology and biotechnology , secretion , intestinal epithelium , biology , intestinal mucosa , homeostasis , immune system , immunology , epithelium , medicine , biochemistry , apoptosis , genetics
The intestinal mucosal barrier is the first line to defense against luminal content penetration and performs numerous biological functions. The intestinal epithelium contains a huge surface that is lined by a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). IECs are dominant mediators in maintaining intestinal homeostasis that drive diverse functions including nutrient absorption, physical segregation, secretion of antibacterial peptides, and modulation of immune responses. Autophagy is a cellular self‐protection mechanism in response to various stresses, and accumulating studies have revealed its importance in participating physiological processes of IECs. The regulatory effects of autophagy depend on the specific IEC types. This review aims to elucidate the myriad roles of autophagy in regulating the functions of different IECs (stem cells, enterocytes, goblet cells, and Paneth cells), and present the progress of autophagy‐targeting therapy in intestinal diseases. Understanding the involved mechanisms can provide new preventive and therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal dysfunction and diseases.