Large intestine articles within Nature Communications

Featured

• Article
  11 January 2022 | Open Access

  Transglutaminase 3 crosslinks the secreted gel-forming mucus component Mucin-2 and stabilizes the colonic mucus layer

  The colonic mucus layer is an organized system providing a physical barrier against pathogens and simultaneously harbouring the commensal flora. Here the authors report that transglutaminase 3 activity contributes to homeostasis of the colonic mucus layer and the lack of this enzymatic activity leads to increased susceptibility against DSS-induced colitis in mice.

  • Jack D. A. Sharpen
  • , Brendan Dolan
  •  & Christian V. Recktenwald

• Article
  19 July 2019 | Open Access

  Active thrombin produced by the intestinal epithelium controls mucosal biofilms

  The roles played by thrombin in the human intestinal mucosa are unclear. Here, the authors show that the commensal microbiota modulates epithelial production of active thrombin, which controls biofilm growth and contributes to protection of the mucosa from bacterial invasion.

  • Jean-Paul Motta
  • , Alexandre Denadai-Souza
  •  & Nathalie Vergnolle

• Article
  26 June 2015 | Open Access

  Glycan complexity dictates microbial resource allocation in the large intestine

  The human gut microbiota helps us to degrade complex dietary carbohydrates such as xylan and, in turn, the carbohydrate breakdown products control the structure of the microbiota. Here the authors characterize the xylan-degrading apparatus of a key member of the gut microbiota, Bacteroides ovatus.

  • Artur Rogowski
  • , Jonathon A. Briggs
  •  & David N. Bolam