Zonulin
Zonulin
Zonulin (/zoʊˈnuːlɪn/) is a protein that modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the wall of the digestive tract. It was discovered in 2000 by Dr. Alessio Fasano and his team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Etymology
The term "Zonulin" is derived from the word "zone", referring to the tight junctions it affects, and the suffix "-ulin", a common ending for proteins.
Function
Zonulin regulates the tight junctions between cells in the wall of the digestive tract. It is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, autoimmune disorders can occur.
Related Terms
- Protein: A molecule composed of polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.
- Tight Junctions: A type of connection between two adjacent cells, sealing their adjacent plasma membranes together to prevent the passage of molecules.
- Digestive Tract: The system of organs responsible for getting food into and out of the body and for making use of food to keep the body healthy.
- Autoimmune Disorders: A condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zonulin
- Wikipedia's article - Zonulin
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