Figure 8.

A working model for Kindlin-2 depletion induces intestinal obstruction. Loss of Kindlin-2 induces apoptosis of smooth muscles so that the number of smooth muscle cells decrease greatly. Kindlin-2 depletion induces loss of smooth muscle structural proteins and Ca²⁺ channel proteins, which destroying the existing smooth muscle cells' structure and contraction functions. As a result, the wall of gastrointestinal tract becomes thinner, the peristalsis ability decreases, the lumen expands and expands, which eventually leads to intestinal obstruction.