The Epithelial Barrier Is Maintained by In Vivo Tight Junction Expansion During Pathologic Intestinal Epithelial Shedding

Maintenance of the epithelial barrier during TNF-induced cell shedding is a complex process that involves integration of microtubules, microfilaments, and membrane traffic to remove apoptotic cells. This process is accompanied by redistribution of apical junctional complex proteins to form intercellular barriers between lateral membranes and maintain mucosal function.