Homeostasis at the Mucosal Barrier

Epithelial Barrier Resilience in Host-Microbiota Interactions

The junctional epithelium (JE) is a unique barrier in the oral cavity, remarkably permeable yet effective in protecting underlying tissues from constant microbial and mechanical challenges. Our research explores how microbiota and their metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, influence signaling pathways like adenylyl cyclase (AC) to maintain JE integrity and immune balance, offering insights into mucosal health and disease progression.