Cadherin adhesion in the intestinal crypt regulates morphogenesis, mitogenesis, motogenesis, and metaplasia formation

摘要

The topographical organisation of the epi- thelium lining mucous membranes has been an intense point of research. One of the fundamental biological issues under- pinning this and associated issues relates to the role and regulation of epithelial adhesion molecules. Adhesion between individual cells allows an intact layer to be formed, which is selectively permeable. In addition, the orchestrated regulation of multiple adhesion molecules allows the gradual transition from basal secretory cells to apical absorptive cells in the crypt-villus gradient.