Hoxa13 is expressed early in the caudal mesoderm and endoderm of the developing hindgut. The tissue-specific roles of Hoxa13 function have not been described. Hand-foot-genital syndrome, a rare dominantly inherited human malformation syndrome characterized by distal extremity and genitourinary anomalies, is caused by mutations in the HOXA13 gene. We show evidence that one specific HOXA13 mutati...

The human gut symbionts in whole and probiotics in particular promote intestinal function and health, partially via modulation of gut associated lymphoid tissue. Molecular basis of microbiota-host interaction is pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and their ligands, viz., microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMP). Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics are strain-specific, which is importan...

The gut microbiota is now widely recognized as an important factor contributing to the regulation of host metabolic functions. Numerous studies describe imbalance in microbial ecosystem response energy-dense diet that drives development disorders. In this context, manipulation by food components acting prebiotics appears a promising strategy. Several have already investigated beneficial potency...

To gain entry into peripheral tissues, effector T lymphocytes express specific combinations of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors. Expression of these are induced during activation in regional secondary lymphoid organs. Herein, we describe a role for GALT DCs in the generation of CCR9(+) alpha(4)beta(7)(+) gut tropic lymphocytes.

One of the 'side effects' of our modern lifestyle is a range of metabolic diseases: the incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular diseases has grown to pandemic proportions. This increase, which shows no sign of reversing course, has occurred despite education and new treatment options, and is largely due to a lack of knowledge about the precise pathology and etiology ...

The intestinal tract mucosa is exposed to a vast number of environmental antigens and a large community of commensal bacteria. The mucosal immune system has to provide both protection against pathogens and tolerance to harmless bacteria. Immune homeostasis depends on the interaction of indigenous commensal and transient bacteria (probiotics) with various components of the epithelium and the gut...