Figure 1. Conditional deletion of Gata4 in the mouse intestinal epithelium negatively impacts mucosal barrier integrity.

(a) Total RNA was isolated from the jejunum, ileum and colon of control and Gata4^ΔIEC mice (n = 3–4 per group) and RT-qPCR was performed to quantify Gata4 gene transcripts. (b) Electron microscopic analysis of jejunum epithelial cells from control and Gata4^ΔIEC mice. White arrows indicate apical tight junctions. (c) Intestinal permeability was assessed by measuring circulating FITC-dextran levels 4 h following gavage of control and Gata4^ΔIEC mice (n = 8–10 per group). ***P < 0.001 (Student-t test). (d) Control and Gata4^ΔIEC mice were orally infected with Salmonella typhimurium SB103 and bacterial counts were done in liver and spleen (n = 5–6 per group). *P < 0.05 (Mann-Whitney test).