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Human intestinal system:
Caco-2 barrier model for physiological, toxikological uad pharmacological analyses

Aim of the project

The bioavailability of a compound is important to exert its biological function in target cells. Membrane activity, permeability and transport activity of intestinal cells play a crucial role in this respect. The projects aims at identifying and characterising the ability of a compound to change its own bioavailability by interacting with membrane properties using an in vitro test system.
In a CaCo2 intestinal barrier model bioloigcal and physioloigcal effects of different substances from food, additives and drugs are analysed. Furthermore the transport of these compounds via this intestinal barrier and their influence on the barrier function are studied.

Background of the project

The intestine is the most important part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is in general about eight meters long and has a surface of appr. 400 to 500 m². Intestinal cells responsible for digestion and absorption of food form the inner surface lining.
The single-layered intestinal epithelium borders as natural barrier on the intestinal lumen. Nutrients have to pass this barrier to become bioavailable. Microorganism of the intestine and their toxins are prevented to penetrate. Acute or chronic deterioration of this barrier leads to an ingression of toxins and bacteria. Inflammations impair the uptake of nutrients. Therefore the proper retention of the barrier is essential for life.
Nutrients and drugs are taken up from the intestinal lumen via different transport mechanism. Numerous processes are involved in the regulation of the transport. Diseases develop if the barrier function is acutely or chronically impaired or destroyed.

In this project we study in how far nutrients or drugs permeate the barrier and influence it. Mechanisms of regulation serving the retention of the barrier are actually an important biomedical area of research. We focus on transport proteins in the membranes as well as the cell-cell contact proteins establishing the barrier function.

Laboratories involved

BioMed-zet Life Science GmbH