Abstract
The importance of cell-matrix adhesion to barrier control in the colon is unclear. The goals of the present study were to: (i) determine if disruption of colon epithelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix alters permeability control measurement and (ii) determine if increasing the elaboration of protein components of cell-matrix adhesion complexes can mitigate the effects of cell-matrix disruption. Human colon organoids were interrogated for transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) under control conditions and in the presence of Aquamin (R), a multi-mineral product. A function-blocking antibody directed at the C-terminal region of the laminin alpha chain was used in parallel. The effects of Aquamin (R) on cell-matrix adhesion protein expression were determined in a proteomic screen and by Western blotting. Aquamin (R) increased the expression of multiple basement membrane, hemidesmosomal and focal adhesion proteins as well as keratin 8 and 18. TEER values were higher in the presence of Aquamin (R) than they were under control conditions. The blocking antibody reduced TEER values under both conditions but was most effective in the absence of Aquamin (R), where expression of cell-matrix adhesion proteins was lower to begin with. These findings provide evidence that cell-matrix interactions contribute to barrier control in the colon.