Permeability (electromagnetism)

Internal medicine

Cell

Cadherin

Membrane

Myosin light-chain kinase

Biology

Phosphorylation

Kinase

Tight junction

Chemistry

Adherens junction

Rho-associated protein kinase

Intestinal mucosa

Barrier function

Myosin

Cell biology

Biochemistry

Paracellular transport

Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

The intestinal epithelial apical junctional complex, which includes tight and adherens junctions, contributes to the intestinal barrier function via their role in regulating paracellular permeability. Myosin light chain II (MLC-2), has been shown to be a critical regulatory protein in altering paracellular permeability during gastrointestinal disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that phosphorylation of MLC-2 is a biochemical marker for perijunctional actomyosin ring contraction, which increases paracellular permeability by regulating the apical junctional complex. The phosphorylation of MLC-2 is dominantly regulated by myosin light chain kinase- (MLCK-) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase- (ROCK-) mediated pathways. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of MLCK- and ROCK-mediated pathways in the regulation of the intestinal barrier during normal homeostasis and digestive diseases. Additionally, we will also suggest potential therapeutic targeting of MLCK- and ROCK-associated pathways in gastrointestinal disorders that compromise the intestinal barrier.

The Regulation of Intestinal Mucosal Barrier by Myosin Light Chain Kinase/Rho Kinases