About this Research Topic
The overall goal of this research topic is to expand our continuing understanding of the critical role of intestine in modulating development of metabolic diseases. While diet-dependent gut dysbiosis is extensively researched (and NOT the focus of this Research Topic), recent developments have established the role of intestinal barrier function and gut dysbiosis is most likely to influence disease development via modifying one or more functional layers of the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, recent advances have also provided novel links between intestinal barrier function and dietary lipid absorption although the underlying mechanisms remain undefined. Therefore, detailed understanding of the role of one or more functional layers of intestinal barrier in affecting intestinal permeability and/or dietary lipid absorption is critical for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Scientific advancement focused on targeted modulation of intestinal barrier, defining the mechanisms linking intestinal permeability to metabolic disturbances and subsequent disease development are some of the specific goals to be addressed by this Research Topic.
Manuscripts addressing any or all of the following topics will be within the scope of this Research Topic:
1) Detailed understanding of the structural and functional components of the intestinal barrier including not only the integrity of the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer but also Intestinal Alkaline phosphatase, the mucin layer and lamina propria.
2) Effects of targeted manipulation of the “layers” of the intestinal barrier on the overall barrier function and disease development.
3) Delineation of mechanisms that link intestinal barrier function to intestinal lipid absorption/intestinal inflammation and how these mechanisms are altered during disease development.
4) Direct consequences of diet-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction on metabolic diseases.
Keywords: Gut barrier, gut permeability, lipid uptake by enterocytes, chylomicron formation/secretion, dylipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, Fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.