Throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a distinct mucus layer composed of highly
glycosylated proteins called mucins plays an essential role in providing lubrication for the …

Endogenous indole and its derivatives (indoles), considered as promising N-substituted
heterocyclic compounds, are tryptophan metabolites derived from intestinal microbiota and …

The gut microbiota influences the health of the host, especially with regard to gut immune
homeostasis and the intestinal immune response. In addition to serving as a nutrient …

Goblet cells and the mucus they secrete serve as an important barrier, preventing pathogens
from invading the mucosa to cause intestinal inflammation. The perspective regarding goblet …

Host factors in the intestine help select for bacteria that promote health. Certain commensals
can utilize mucins as an energy source, thus promoting their colonization. However, health …

Microplastics are plastic fragments widely distributed in the environment and accumulate in
the organisms. However, the research on microplastics effects in mammals is limited …

Chronic stress is known to promote inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the underlying
mechanism remains largely unresolved. Here, we found chronic stress to sensitize mice to …

Significance: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a specialized organelle for the folding and
trafficking of proteins, which is highly sensitive to changes in intracellular homeostasis and …

Colonic goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus to physically separate
the host and its microbiota, thus preventing bacterial invasion and inflammation. How goblet …

The gastrointestinal tract is coated by a thick layer of mucus that forms the front line of innate
host defense. Mucus consists of high molecular weight glycoproteins called mucins that are …