Lesson plan
Zonulin
Zonulin is a family of structurally and functionally related proteins (zonulin family proteins, ZPS) that regulate epithelial and endothelial barrier permeability by modulating intercellular tight junctions. The zonulin system controls the trafficking of antigens, microorganisms, and other macromolecules across mucosal and vascular barriers, thereby contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and host-environment interactions. The first member of the ZFPs was identified as pre-habtoglobin (pre-HP2), the uncleaved precursor of haptoglobin 2. Later studies demonstrated that zonulin is not a single molecule but rather a family of proteins sharing structural homology and permeability-regulating activity. Members of the zonulin family belong to or are related to the mannose-associated serine protease (MASP) superfamily.
Article summary
Zonulin is a family of structurally and functionally related proteins (zonulin family proteins, ZPS) that regulate epithelial and endothelial barrier permeability by modulating intercellular tight junctions. The zonulin system controls the trafficking of antigens, microorganisms, and other macromolecules across mucosal and vascular barriers, thereby contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and host-environment interactions. The first member of the ZFPs was identified as pre-habtoglobin (pre-HP2), the uncleaved precursor of haptoglobin 2. Later studies demonstrated that zonulin is not a single molecule but rather a family of proteins sharing structural homology and permeability-regulating activity. Members of the zonulin family belong to or are related to the mannose-associated serine protease (MASP) superfamily.
Key claims
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Discussion questions
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Bibliography
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