Lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2) modulates 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 regulate d tight junction protein complex between bile duct epithelial cells (BECs).6 Cholangiopathies are frequently associated with alterations of BECs’ tight junctions.

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 Tags: Research Article Source Type: research