Claudin-1 regulates intestinal epithelial homeostasis through the modulation of Notch-signalling

Claudin-1 helps regulate intestinal epithelial homeostasis through the regulation of Notch-signalling. An upregulated claudin-1 expression induces MMP-9 and p-ERK signalling to activate Notch-signalling, which in turn inhibits the goblet cell differentiation. Decreased goblet cell number decreases muc-2 expression and thus enhances susceptibility to mucosal inflammation. Claudin-1 expression also induces colonic epithelial proliferation in a Notch-dependent manner. Our findings may help understand the role of claudin-1 in the regulation of inflammatory bowel diseases and CRC.