The role of colonic mucus in health and disease

The colonic mucus layer is an integral part of intestinal barrier physiology and is an area that has been neglected for many years. However, recent advances in analytical technology now enable this intricate structure to be studied. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are known to affect colonic function whether they play a role in maintaining the integrity of the mucus barrier remained to be elucidated. Therefore, the project aims to investigate the influence of SCFA on mucosal health via an in vitro modelling approach. The effect will be further explored in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who are often present with increased intestinal permeability which could be the result of a compromised mucus barrier.