Recently, the associate professor Zuo LifromSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, published a research paperentitledTacrolimus-binding protein FKBP8 directs myosin light chain kinase-dependent barrier regulation and is a potential therapeutic target in Crohn’s diseasein the international top journalGut(IF=23.059). This research paperwascooperatively finished by professor Zuo Li and Harvard Medical School’s professor Jerrold R.Turneras joint corresponding authorsand our university is the first author affiliation.
Myosin Light Chain Kianse (MLCK1) is the major regulatory factor of inflammation-reducedintestinal barrierloss. Under the inflammatory stimulation, MLCK1 is gathered to the ring of actomyosin and phosphorylates the myosin light chain, causing atrophy of cytoskeleton, the increaseinpermeability between epithelial cells, and the loss of intestinal barrier function. Nevertheless, how MLCK1 is gathered to the ring of cytoskeleton is stillunknown.
The research found thatTacrolimus-binding protein FKBP8 is the critical molecule that can regulate the transportation from myosin light chain kinase1toactomyosin. Through the process, FKBP8 combines with MLCK1 and also helps the transportation of MLCK1. However, the small molecule drug FK506 can block the combination between FKBP8 and MLCK1 so as to recover the intestinal barrier function. This research therefore provides a new way and a potential therapeutic target inthe treatment ofCrohn’s disease.
Paper Link：https://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2022/05/10/gutjnl-2021-326534.long