Impact of experimental colitis on mitochondrial bioenergetics in intestinal epithelial cells.

Intestinal homeostasis is highly dependent on optimal epithelial barrier function and permeability. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) regulate these properties acting as cellular gatekeepers by selectively absorbing nutrients and controlling the passage of luminal bacteria. These functions are energy demanding processes that are presumably met through mitochondrial-based processes.

Perturbed Mitochondrial Dynamics Is a Novel Feature of Colitis That Can Be Targeted to Lessen Disease.

Background & Aims: Mitochondria exist in a constantly remodelling network, and excessive fragmentation can be pathophysiological. Mitochondrial dysfunction can accompany enteric inflammation, but any contribution of altered mitochondrial dynamics (ie, fission/fusion) to gut inflammation is unknown. We hypothesized that perturbed mitochondrial dynamics would contribute to colitis.