Lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2) Modules Barrier Function in Cholangiocytes In Cholestasis

Bile ducts play a pivotal and active role in bile formation and excretion [1 –4]. Bile duct integrity is therefore a prerequisite for normal liver function [5]. Normal bile duct secretory function critically depends on regular epithelial barrier function including selective permeability for specific molecules [5]. This requires numerous specific proteins forming a tightly regulated tight junction protein complex between bile duct epithelial cells (BECs) [6]. Cholangiopathies are frequently associated with alterations of BECs’ tight junctions [5,7,8].

Source: Journal of Hepatology - April 27, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Marion J. Pollheimer, Silvia Racedo, Amanda Mikels-Vigdal, Derek Marshall, Christopher Bowlus, Carolin Lackner, Tobias Madl, Tom H. Karlsen, Johannes R. Hov, Susan K. Lyman, Joanne Adamkewicz, Victoria Smith, Emmanuel Moreau, Gernot Zollner, Tor Jacob Eid Source Type: research