Paneth cells were first described in the late 19th century by Gustav Schwalbe and Josef
Paneth as columnar epithelial cells possessing prominent eosinophilic granules in their …

The gastrointestinal tract is covered by mucus that has different properties in the stomach,
small intestine, and colon. The large highly glycosylated gel‐forming mucins MUC 2 and …

Breast milk contains immunomodulating components that are beneficial to newborns during
maturation of their immune system. Human breast milk composition is influenced by an …

Scope Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and death in preterm
infants, occurring more often in formula‐fed than breastfed infants. Studies in both rats and …

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal
disease in premature infants and attacks the most fragile patients at a time when they …

Quorum sensing is a molecular signaling-based communication mechanism in prokaryotes.
In the basic mode, signaling molecules released by certain bacteria are sensed by …

Breast milk has many beneficial properties and unusual characteristics including a unique
fat component, termed milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). While breast milk yields …

Mucus selectively controls the transport of molecules, particulate matter, and
microorganisms to the underlying epithelial layer. It may be desirable to weaken the mucus …

Rapid development of the fetal and neonatal intestine is required to meet the growth
requirements of early life and form a protective barrier against external insults encountered …

An important function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is to maintain the integrity of the
mucosal barrier. Inflammation challenges the integrity of the mucosal barrier and the …