The role of goblet cells and mucus in intestinal homeostasis

• Mucus, produced by goblet cells, provides the intestinal tract with an additional layer of protection. This Review discusses the role of mucus and goblet cells in intestinal health and disease, and dissects the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The intestinal tract faces numerous challenges that require several layers of defence. The tight epithelium forms a physical barrier that is further protected by a mucus layer, which provides various site-specific protective functions. Mucus is produced by goblet cells, and as a result of single-cell RNA sequencing identifying novel goblet cell subpopulations, our understanding of their various contributions to intestinal homeostasis has improved. Goblet cells not only produce mucus but also are intimately linked to the immune system. Mucus and goblet cell development is tightly regulated during early life and synchronized with microbial colonization. Dysregulation of the developing mucus systems and goblet cells has been associated with infectious and inflammatory conditions and predisposition to chronic disease later in life. Dysfunctional mucus and altered goblet cell profiles are associated with inflammatory conditions in which some mucus system impairments precede inflammation, indicating a role in pathogenesis. In this Review, we present an overview of the current understanding of the role of goblet cells and the mucus layer in maintaining intestinal health during steady-state and how alterations to these systems contribute to inflammatory and infectious disease.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Gastroenterologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Gastroenterology and Hepatology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

endoplasmic-reticulum stress

functional cftr channel

colonic mucus

gut microbiota

escherichia-coli

ulcerative-colitis

cystic-fibrosis

crohns-disease

secretory-cell

stem-cells

Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Publication and Content Type

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